Panama Canal appoints Tommy Thomsen as Advisory Board chairman

The Panama Canal has appointed Danish shipping executive Tommy Thomsen as chairman of its Advisory Board, succeeding Admiral William J. Flanagan. The leadership change took place during the Board’s 41st meeting, held from 26 to 28 October 2026.

The meeting focused on global maritime trade challenges and the Canal’s strategic development plans. Board members also reviewed water management, revenue diversification and the waterway’s competitiveness.

Thomsen brings more than 30 years of experience in the maritime and shipping industry. He currently leads Lauritzen Fonden, a Danish corporate foundation.

The Advisory Board also welcomed two members: Oscar Hasbún Martínez, CEO of Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores (CSAV), and Jean Paul Rodrigue, a professor at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

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