New Era at Copenhagen Airports as Sørensen Tapped for Chairman

KASTRUP, Denmark – April 24, 2026 – Copenhagen Airports A/S is poised for a significant leadership transition as long-serving chairman Lars Nørby Johansen has announced he will not seek re-election at the upcoming annual general meeting on April 29. The board has proposed current deputy chairman, Lars Sandahl Sørensen, a prominent figure in Danish industry and aviation, to take the helm of the nation's critical infrastructure hub.

The change, detailed in a supplement to the general meeting notice, marks a pivotal moment for the airport operator. It reflects a strict adherence to corporate governance principles and comes at a time when the Danish state has solidified its control as the majority shareholder, signaling a new chapter for the company's strategic direction and oversight.

A Departure Driven by Governance

Lars Nørby Johansen's departure after a 12-year tenure is not a result of discord but a proactive move aligned with best practices. The company's announcement explicitly states the decision was made "in accordance with the Corporate Governance recommendations," as Johansen would no longer be considered an independent board member following the 2026 meeting.

The Danish Recommendations on Corporate Governance, which operate on a "comply or explain" basis, advise that a board member's independence is compromised after 12 years of service. By facilitating this change, Copenhagen Airports is demonstrating a firm commitment to these standards.

Johansen's chairmanship, which began in 2014, has been a period of significant growth and development for the airport. His leadership guided the company through major investment cycles, including the DKK 2 billion inauguration of Pier E in 2019, which expanded capacity for large, long-haul aircraft. Under his watch, the airport pursued a "Responsible Growth" strategy and celebrated an all-time passenger record of 32.4 million travelers in 2025. He also navigated the complex transition that saw the Danish state dramatically increase its ownership stake, a move he publicly supported as crucial for securing a "responsible and long-term ownership group."

A Veteran of Industry and Aviation Takes the Helm

The proposed successor, Lars Sandahl Sørensen, brings a formidable resume and deep familiarity with both the aviation sector and the airport itself. Having served on the CPH board since 2021 and as deputy chairman since 2025, his appointment represents a well-planned succession rather than an abrupt shift.

Since 2019, Sørensen has served as the CEO of the Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri), Denmark's largest employer organization, where he has championed digital transformation and the green transition for Danish businesses. His extensive background in aviation is particularly noteworthy. He has held two separate tenures at Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), most recently as Executive Vice President from 2015 to 2019, where he was responsible for transformation initiatives and played a key role in the airline's strategy. His earlier work at SAS included a central role in navigating the carrier through the financial crisis.

Sørensen's broad experience also includes executive roles at ISS Group and VisitDenmark, alongside numerous high-profile board positions at companies like Pandora and PensionDanmark. His vast international experience, having lived and worked across four continents, is considered a key asset for an international hub like Copenhagen Airport. This combination of expertise in aviation, business advocacy, and global management positions him as a strategic choice to guide the airport's next phase.

The State's Steady Hand and Strategic Alignment

This leadership transition unfolds against the backdrop of a significant shift in the airport's ownership structure. In late 2024 and early 2025, the Danish Ministry of Finance consolidated its position, increasing its stake from 39.2% to a commanding majority of approximately 98.6% by acquiring shares from pension fund ATP.

The government's stated rationale was to ensure stable, long-term ownership for what it deems critical national infrastructure. The Ministry's explicit support for the proposed board changes, including Sørensen's appointment, underscores a clear alignment between the state as majority owner and the company's board on governance and future leadership.

While the state has indicated long-term plans to divest its holdings to just over 50% to bring in private partners, its current near-total control gives it a powerful voice in setting the strategic course. The emphasis on board independence and the seamless, well-communicated nature of this leadership change suggest a commitment to professional, arm's-length governance, even under majority state ownership.

Fortifying the Board for Future Challenges

The changes extend beyond the chairman's seat, signaling a broader refresh of the board's leadership structure. The proposal includes the re-election of Anne Louise Eberhard as a deputy chairman and the elevation of current board member Birgit Otto to a second deputy chairman role. Furthermore, Claus Jensen is proposed as a new member of the board of directors.

These moves, combined with the proposed re-election of members Anne Skovbro, Henrik Dam Kristensen, and Michael Holm, aim to create a robust and diverse leadership team. The company has emphasized that all proposed board members are considered independent under the Danish governance code, reinforcing the core theme of this transition.

With the formal vote at the annual general meeting on April 29 expected to confirm these appointments, the new board will be tasked with steering Copenhagen Airport through a landscape of evolving challenges and opportunities. Key priorities will likely include advancing sustainability goals, enhancing digital infrastructure, and solidifying the airport's competitive position as a premier Northern European hub, all under the watchful eye of its new majority owner.