Wrist Group appoints Robert Desai as Group CEO

Wrist Group, a global marine supply and logistics company, has appointed Robert Desai as Group Chief Executive Officer. He brings more than 20 years of international leadership experience across shipping, maritime services, logistics and offshore services.

Desai joins Wrist from V.Group, where he serves as CEO of V.Ships. His appointment follows the leadership transition announced on 8 September 2026, when Jens Holger Nielsen stepped down as Group CEO and joined Wrist’s Advisory Board.

The appointment comes as Wrist looks to build on its global market position, strengthen customer relationships and pursue further growth across its marine supply and logistics operations.

Desai to lead next phase of growth

Desai has held several senior executive positions across the maritime industry, including CEO of V.Services and Group Chief Commercial Officer at V.Group. 

He has also served as Chief Commercial Officer and Offshore Director at P&O Maritime Logistics, and Chief Commercial Officer at Topaz Energy & Marine.

Throughout his career, he has led international businesses through periods of growth, transformation and operational improvement. 

His experience includes strengthening client retention, developing technology-enabled operating models, improving operational performance and executing strategic transactions.

Will Hanenberg, Chairman of the Board of Wrist and Partner at J.F. Lehman & Company, said, “We are very pleased to welcome Robert as Group CEO of Wrist. He brings a combination of deep maritime industry knowledge, strong commercial leadership and a proven ability to translate strategy into performance. 

“Just as importantly, he understands the importance of staying close to customers, empowering strong local teams and building scalable global capabilities,” Will added.

“Wrist has an exceptional market position, a truly global platform and significant opportunities ahead of us. We have made substantial progress in strengthening the organization, expanding our capabilities and advancing our strategic agenda,” he noted.

“With Robert, Anders Skipper and Nicolas Ingram forming the Executive Management team, I am very excited about the leadership we now have in place and the potential to take Wrist through its next phase of profitable growth and development,” also said.

Focus on customer relationships and operational excellence

Desai said, “I am very excited to join Wrist and to have the opportunity to lead a business with such a strong market position, global reach and long-standing customer relationship."

“Wrist has built an impressive platform, and I see significant potential to continue developing the business through deeper client engagement, operational excellence, digitalization and disciplined growth,” he added.

“What particularly attracts me to Wrist is the combination of global strength and local entrepreneurship. Success in our industry ultimately depends on understanding customers, executing for them reliably every day and empowering capable people close to the business,” he commented.

“I look forward to working with Anders, Nicolas, the wider leadership team and all our colleagues across Wrist to build on what has already been achieved and create the next chapter of the company’s development,” Desai mentioned.

Wrist Group's executive leadership team

Following Desai’s appointment, Wrist Group’s Executive Management team will comprise Robert Desai as Group CEO, Anders Skipper as Group Chief Financial Officer and Nicolas Ingram as CEO of Wrist Ship Supply.

Desai is a Swedish national whose more than two decades of international experience spans shipping, maritime logistics and offshore services. 

He has worked extensively with customers, management teams, boards and active owners, with a focus on commercial growth, organisational development and operational improvement.

His appointment is intended to support Wrist’s continued development as a global marine supply and logistics provider, with an emphasis on strengthening its operating capabilities and building on its established customer relationships.