DNV has announced the appointment of Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria as Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 January 2025.
“The maritime industry is navigating growing complexities, from its operating environment to the expanding network of diverse stakeholders it serves and interacts with,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime. “The addition of a COO strengthens our leadership team, ensuring we are well-positioned to address challenges and seize opportunities.”
Based in Singapore, Saenz de Santa Maria will streamline communication between regional teams and central functions, collaborate with key customers globally, and enhance operational capabilities in critical growth markets.
“It is an exciting time for the maritime industry, and I am proud to support our customers as they navigate the complexities ahead,” said Saenz de Santa Maria. “I look forward to driving collaboration and innovation to strengthen our operations and customer impact.”
Saenz de Santa Maria joined DNV in 2005, gaining broad experience as a ship surveyor, project manager, and in senior leadership roles across Norway, Africa, and Singapore. Most recently, she served as Regional Manager for South East Asia, Pacific, and India. She holds a Master of Science in Naval Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and an MBA from IE Business School.
