Denmark’s Sampension has appointed Mads Smith Hansen as CEO, taking over from Hasse Jørgensen, who is stepping down after 16 years in the role.

Smith Hansen has been a member of the company's Executive Board since 2020. He has worked at Sampension for the past 15 years, most recently as COO, and previously as CFO.

He has also previously served as Group Director at ATP, CEO of Norli Pension, and held various senior positions at Nordea; he holds a Master of Science in Mathematics.

Jørgensen is leaving his position by mutual agreement after discussions with the Board of Directors, in which it decided that the time has come to part ways.

“I would like to thank Hasse for a fruitful and trusting partnership over the years. Under Hasse’s leadership, Sampension has developed into a very strong pension company and a joint administration body that has grown to include several pension funds and occupational pension schemes. It is an impressive achievement,” Sampension chairman of the Board and Mayor of Vejle Municipality, Jens Ejner Christensen, said.

“However, the time has now come for a generational change to ensure the company’s continued success, and the board of directors has therefore reached an agreement regarding his departure.”

Jørgensen, who is stepping down with immediate effect, said: “Everything has its time, and I have given a great deal of thought to stepping down. I have always promised myself that I would hand over a company in excellent shape. Sampension is now a very solid company, and I wish Sampension, Mads, our customers and employees all the best for the future.”

The change of director will be marked by a reception for both the outgoing and incoming directors on 16 April at Sampension.

Smith Hansen said he is looking forward to leading and developing Sampension in collaboration with the board, management team and employees.

Ejner Christensen added: “In Mads Smith Hansen, we have appointed a new and highly capable chief executive officer. He has been a member of the Executive Board since 2020 and combines a steady hand at the helm with a keen eye for further developing the company in the years ahead.

“Mads has in-depth knowledge of the pensions sector in general, and I am delighted that he has accepted the role.”

---