Oslo: 16 June 2025—Skuld, a leading global marine insurer, announces today that Kjell-Åke Augustsson will retire from his position as senior vice-president, head of Skuld Piraeus on 28 February 2026. Leandros Kotsakis will take over the leadership of the Piraeus office from 1 March 2026.
Augustsson joined Skuld for the first time in 1990 and was an underwriter for 10 years before moving to the Swedish Club. He then re-joined Skuld in 2012 to successfully open its Singapore office, and since 2015, has led the Skuld Piraeus office. He will continue to lead Skuld Piraeus through the P&I renewal in 2026, until his last day with Skuld at the end of that month.
Kotsakis has been part of Skuld’s claims organisation since 2007 and has a long-standing and strong reputation in the Greek market. He will lead the team and the daily operations in Piraeus. To align the underwriting activities with Skuld’s global business development strategy, he will be supported by Thea Thorstensen, senior vice-president, business development, who will manage the underwriting for Skuld in the Greek market.
Ståle Hansen (pictured above), president and CEO of Skuld, said: “Kjell-Åke’s contributions to Skuld are invaluable, and we are grateful for his dedication and hard work over the years. We wish him all the best for his well-deserved retirement.”
Skuld is also pleased to announce that Mudit Singh will be the new leader of the Skuld Western Europe business unit, effective from 15 June. This follows Thea Thorstensen’s transition into her role with the Piraeus office. Singh started at Skuld in 2018 and has recently served as head of FDD in Western Europe. He will take full leadership for the business unit, and will be supported by Erwan Merrien, who will take on a new role as VP, head of underwriting, Skuld Western Europe.
Hansen added: “These changes not only reflect our long-term commitment to the Greek market and to our office in Piraeus, but also our other European markets. We are fortunate to have strong talents in our own organisation and can fill key roles with highly competent internal resources. These changes show Skuld’s ability to nurture internal talent, to ensure sustained growth and continued excellence in the service Skuld delivers to its members, clients and brokers.”
