“An important part of my job is to help our people to get R&D the maximum out of the resources we have available!”

Ole Pyndt-Hansen has experienced a bit of everything over the many years he has spent abroad. As responsible for the two-stroke business at one of our major competitors, he traveled around the world to meet customers and foster collaboration. “It was really exciting. Our work and results were always measured against MAN's, and we wondered why MAN always did so well! When I was contacted about the vacant position in development in the two-stroke area here, I went 'all in'.”

A humble approach

He admits that MAN has a special role - and responsibility - as the largest actor in the design of two-stroke two-stroke engine design. “We have a market share of around 80%, so it's clear that we have a recipe that works. We need to take good care of it so that we can maintain our position even in a very volatile market. That's why I come with a humble approach, and I'm not going to try to revolutionize everything.”

The entire maritime industry is undergoing a green transition. MAN's role as the leading supplier of two-stroke engine technology means we can't just sit back, however. “MAN has chosen to say: Given our position, we must be able to set the bar for what is 'best practice'. It's about fuel that has a direct impact on CO2 emissions in the world, and we relate to that. Our strategy is clearly to have maximum positive impact on the green transition,” says Ole.

Ole considers the opportunity to work with the employees who are shaping the future of shipping as something very positive. “An important part of my job is to help our people to get the most out of the resources we have available,” he emphasizes. In addition to his experience, he has also completed a coaching program for managers, and he is ready to provide personalized coaching to his team of specialists. “Big obstacles can be become smaller if you look at them from a different angle. And you can get to the right conclusion faster if you have someone to spar with,” says the experienced coach.

Even though he has only been at MAN for a few months, he has already gotten a good sense of the organization's ability to create momentum. The new engine program is about to be launched, and hours of hard work before, during and after the launch. But there will be a reward. “It's great to have a job that's not just about 'making money'. There's a direct connection between our work and the major transformation of the maritime industry worldwide,” he says. “It's a gift - even if it sometimes you have to watch Richard Wagner's lengthy opera “The Ring of the Nibelung” before you get to go to a concert with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.”