02. Nov 2023

Arne Simonsen 1944 – 2023

  • News

ARNE SIMONSEN

1944 – 2023

Scan-Group’s owner and founder passed away.

It is with great sadness that we announce our beloved founder, Arne Simonsen, passed away on 29th October 2023. Arne Simonsen or “Simon” was an iconic figure in the Danish shipping world and a visionary leader who left his mark not only on our community but around the world.

With a lifelong passion for shipping, Simon was just 24 years old when he founded his first company, Scan-Shipping, in 1969. New York was its first office to be opened outside Denmark in 1973 and Shipco Transport, one of the world’s largest NVOCC operators, was established in 1988 as a subsidiary which continued the Group’s global expansion. Through his vision and continued leadership, companies spanning the shipping and logistics, technology, and leisure industry were created to form today’s Scan-Group which is present in over 40 countries worldwide employing more than 3,500 staff in 156 offices.

Simon was not only a skilled businessman, but also a person with diverse interests. He founded Simon’s Golf and Hotel Nybogaard, one of the leading golf courses in Denmark, which attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the world. He served as Consul General for the Philippines and Singapore, where he actively worked to strengthen relations between nations and promote trade. His commitment and service to community was recognized by the award of an honorary citizenship in the southern French city of Agde in 2004 and by receiving the rare National Day Award – “Public Service Star” in Singapore. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the Royal Copenhagen Shooting Society for almost 40 years.

Simon leaves behind a significant legacy and his absence will be felt throughout our Group, the shipping industry, and in many corners of the world. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, and ten loving grandchildren.

To our partners, customers, and employees – we can assure you that Scan-Group’s future is secure as a smooth generational change was initiated several years ago, with Arne Simonsen’s children taking shares in the company and Sune Simonsen serving as the Group’s CEO since 2017. We continue to build on Simon’s values and vision, and we honour his legacy by working with commitment, innovation, and dedication every day.

Scan-Group A/S

Go back