Lloyd’s Register names next group chair

Lloyd’s Register Group (LR) and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation have announced the appointment of Matthias Altendorf as their new chair. Altendorf will succeed Thomas Thune Andersen when he steps down at the end of his tenure in June 2027.

Altendorf brings extensive corporate governance experience to the role, having served as both an executive and non-executive director across several high-profile international organisations. He spent almost four decades with the Swiss-based engineering business Endress+Hauser Group, including serving as CEO from 2014 to 2023 and subsequently chairing its supervisory board.

Through this background, he brings a combination of industrial leadership, digital expertise and client-centric strategy to Lloyd’s Register. LR says his experience will be pivotal in strengthening the organisation’s ability to connect its classification, digital and advisory capabilities across three critical areas: vessels, voyages and people.

Altendorf is also the founder of Bionic Leadership, a company that focuses on developing human-centred management to pioneer evolutionary approaches to leadership and economic social systems.  

Nick Brown, chief executive officer of LR, says: “I am delighted to welcome Matthias. He brings with him a record of truly inspirational global leadership.  

“Matthias’ vast and varied experience will be a tremendous benefit to LR as we continue to develop and evolve our services to meet the needs of our clients and colleagues across an ever-evolving maritime industry.” 

Commenting on his appointment, Altendorf says: “As the incoming chair of Lloyd’s Register Group and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, I am honoured by the trust the trustees have placed in me. Lloyd’s Register has played a vital role in maritime safety for more than 260 years, supporting shipowners and the wider shipping industry through technical expertise, independent assurance and innovation.  What inspires me most is the combination of scientific depth, public purpose and global impact that define both Lloyd’s Register Group and Lloyd’s Register Foundation. I look forward to helping build on that legacy and supporting their mission with clarity, courage and responsibility.”

Earlier this year, LR released its Yacht Safety Culture and Wellbeing Survey.