Jan Michelsen
Blue MBA appoints Cobham’s Jan Kragh Michelsen as Technology & Innovation Ambassador, to champion the renowned maritime business strategy course
Jan Kragh Michelsen, an executive who has a prime role in the field of maritime technology, has been appointed Ambassador for the world-renowned Blue MBA – the Executive MBA in Shipping & Logistics at Copenhagen Business School.
Denmark-based Mr Michelsen becomes the first person to be designated Blue MBA Ambassador (Technology and Innovation). He is vice-president of the maritime business unit, Cobham Satcom, at commercial, defence and security technology company Cobham.
He becomes the fifth Blue MBA Ambassador, joining four other Ambassadors who further the presence of the course in international regions. They broaden the reach of the part-time degree course for specialist managers into the most advanced sectors of business.
Mr Michelsen will promote the mission of the Blue MBA to develop the strategic capabilities of management in the maritime and associated industries, and serve as a leader and liaison contact for present and former alumni of the programme.
Irene Rosberg, programme director for the Blue MBA, said: ”Jan has substantial experience in high-tech segments of the industry, bringing added distinction to the status of the Blue MBA. In addition to his role in enhancing the industries we serve through his technological prowess, Jan is a great communicator on a personal level. This will help enormously in our goal of encouraging participation by rising professionals in the shipping industry in our unique programme that takes management education to fresh levels.
“We have been proud to welcome Jan among those taking the current Blue MBA course leading to graduation in August 2015.”
Mr Michelsen has overall responsibility for the global maritime business, Cobham Satcom. The Cobham group offers an innovative range of technologies and services to solve challenging problems across commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the depths of the ocean.
Mr Michelsen has extensive maritime experience, gained across different sectors, ranging from sales management positions at leading maritime high-tech companies to assignments as commanding officer on costal patrol vessels. He is a Master Mariner graduate from Svendborg International Maritime Academy and a commissioned naval officer from the Royal Danish Navy.
Mr Michelsen said: “The global shipping industry is currently facing challenges in relation to overcapacity, increasing cost structure and lack of vertical integration. The Blue MBA offers a ’second to none’ development platform, based on a global outlook and deep insight into core management issues and shipping industry drivers to take maritime executives to the next level of excellence.”
”Differentiation is seen as one of the key drivers to prepare the industry for the next growth cycle, hence the importance of understanding the interdependencies of technology and business, to overcome the challenges ahead. I am honoured to represent the Blue MBA programme and to ensure the industry acknowledges the potential of bringing technology and innovation onto the boardroom agenda, ” added Mr Michelsen, who is Class Representative for those enrolled in the 2015 Blue MBA.
Ms Rosberg said: “We consider that all of our graduates are our ambassadors, but by formally appointing Blue MBA Ambassadors in the global regions and for designated specialities, we are reinforcing the value of our international network and the dedicated work of our tutors.”
Since 2001, the Blue MBA, which has accreditations from top educational bodies, has graduated 162 executives from 35 countries.
