Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing port operators and a key enabler of regional and global logistics, today announces the appointment of Mr. Lars Vang Christensen as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 March. He succeeds Mr. Jens O. Floe, who has served as Group CEO since 2016, leading RSGT through a defining period of expansion, operational transformation, and international growth, including the addition of six terminals. Following the transition, Jens will pursue his career as a Non-Executive Director and continue representing RSGT shareholders in various board roles.
Lars brings more than 30 years of global leadership experience across the maritime, port, and logistics sectors, having held multiple CEO and senior executive roles within major international terminal and shipping companies. Most recently, he served as Regional Head of Joint Ventures and Strategic Partnerships at APM Terminals, where he oversaw strategic engagement across a diversified global portfolio.
His career includes executive leadership positions at Suez Canal Container Terminal (Egypt), APM Terminals Callao (Peru), Epic Gas Ltd., and Herning Shipping A/S, alongside senior industry roles such as Deputy Vice President of the International Chamber of Shipping and Chairman of Danish Shipping. A graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program, Lars has lived and led operations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, bringing deep operational expertise, strong commercial acumen, and a proven track record in transforming and scaling port businesses globally.
In his new role, Lars Vang Christensen will lead RSGT into its next phase of growth, accelerating strategic expansion, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing the company’s continued commitment to operational excellence and innovation.
“It is an honor to join RSGT at such an important stage in its journey,” said Lars Vang Christensen. “We will build on the strong foundation established by Jens, further enhance customer value, and continue expanding RSGT’s reach as a leading player in global trade and a key contributor to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a competitive logistics hub.”
“On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Lars Vang Christensen to RSGT,” said Aamer Alireza, Chairman of the Board. “His proven track record in scaling complex terminal operations and building high-value partnerships will support the acceleration of our growth agenda and further strengthen RSGT’s position as a leading global terminal operator. We are equally grateful to Jens O. Floe for his leadership through a transformative period for RSGT, and we look forward to building on this momentum under Lars’s stewardship.”
During Jens O. Floe’s tenure, RSGT executed a series of strategic initiatives that significantly strengthened its position as a premier international terminal operator. At Jeddah Islamic Port, RSGT expanded its footprint through the takeover and full redevelopment of the North Container Terminal, doubling overall handling capacity and positioning the company as the largest container terminal operator on the Red Sea. The company also completed a strategic realignment of its shareholder base through the successful introduction of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and COSCO Shipping Ports (CSPL) as shareholders in the Jeddah Container Terminal, welcoming world-class institutional and international port partners.
During the period, RSGT launched its first international investment with a landmark overseas concession at Chittagong Port in Bangladesh, marking an important step in the company’s global expansion strategy. In parallel, RSGT diversified its operations through the establishment of its Multi-Purpose Terminals (MPT) business unit, which now operates four terminals. Most recently, RSGT further advanced its long-term growth ambitions through the signing of a Term Sheet with CMA CGM for the establishment of a joint venture covering the development of a 2.5 million TEU container terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, reinforcing RSGT’s capacity expansion plans and its strategic partnership with one of the world’s leading shipping groups.
Red Sea Gateway Terminal extends its sincere appreciation to Jens O. Floe for his leadership and dedicated service as Group Chief Executive Officer. The Board and management warmly welcome Lars Vang Christensen as Group CEO and look forward to working with him in advancing RSGT’s strategy and delivering sustainable growth.
About Red Sea Gateway Terminal
RSGT is Saudi Arabia’s leading port terminal operator, managing six terminals across the Kingdom and internationally. Headquartered in Jeddah, RSGT handles containers and multipurpose cargo across 18 kilometers of quay, and a capacity exceeding 9.5 million TEUs and 30 million tons of general cargo. RSGT is designated a Saudi National Champion with its flagship terminal in Jeddah, which is the largest and most advanced in the Red Sea, accounting for nearly 40% of Saudi Arabia’s container throughput. RSGT’s associate company RSGT International (RSGTI) commenced operations at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh in 2024, the first overseas footprint by a Saudi terminal operator. Through continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable operations, RSGT is building a diversified, high‑performance platform that strengthens global trade connectivity. RSGT continues to expand globally, driven by operational excellence, digital innovation, and sustainability.
