Columbia Group has appointed Ulla Eithz Nielsen as Deputy Chief Operating Officer, further strengthening its executive leadership as the group continues to develop its integrated global maritime services platform.

Ms Eithz Nielsen joins Columbia after more than six years in senior leadership roles at V.Group, where she held a number of senior operational and executive positions, including managing director roles within the group.

A qualified master mariner, Ms Eithz Nielsen began her career at sea before moving ashore with A.P. Moller – Maersk. She later spent a decade at NORDEN, with responsibilities spanning process excellence, business applications and business intelligence. That experience shaped her subsequent role at V.Group, where she played a key role in developing and rolling out group-wide operating models.

In her new role, Ms Eithz Nielsen will work closely with Columbia’s executive leadership team, supporting operational alignment, organisational effectiveness and the long term development of the group’s activities across ship management and related maritime services.

Leonid Zalenski, Chief Operating Officer of Columbia Group, said: “Ms Eithz Nielsen has a strong operational mindset and a deep understanding of how maritime organisations need to be structured to perform consistently at scale. Her experience will support our continued focus on clarity, accountability and effective delivery across the group.”

Discussing her new job role, Ms Eithz Nielsen added: “I am looking forward to working closely with the Columbia team as the group continues to invest in its operational platform and digital capabilities. I have been very warmly welcomed and am enjoying working closely with Leonid and the wider leadership team.

“Digitalisation is a key area of focus for me because, when used properly, it can simplify how we work, support better decision making and allow teams to spend more time on what really matters. Columbia already has a strong foundation in this area and there is clear potential to build on it as the business continues to evolve. On a personal note, relocating to Cyprus has been a smooth transition, and the sunshine has certainly been a welcome bonus.”

Columbia Group’s CEO, Mark O’Neil, said: “Ulla’s appointment reflects the direction Columbia Group is taking as we continue to strengthen the business for the long term. As our industry faces increasing operational complexity, regulatory pressure and digital transformation, reinforcing leadership at group level is essential. Ulla brings the judgement, experience and organisational focus that will support both our clients and our people as the group continues to evolve.”