3i-backed Scandlines, one of the largest ferry operators in the Baltic Sea, has appointed Steve Ridgway as Chairman with immediate effect.

Steve brings over 30 years experience from Virgin Atlantic Airways, most recently as Chief Executive.  He joined Virgin Atlantic in 1989 as Managing Director of Virgin Freeway, becoming a board director in 1994 when he took on the role of Executive Director Customer Services. He was appointed Managing Director of Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1998 and became Chief Executive in 2001, stepping down in 2013.

Scandlines will benefit from Steve’s leadership skills. In addition, his expertise in product innovation, customer service and sustainability will benefit the company as it continues to consolidate its market-leading position. His commercial experience in retail and leisure travel will be a valuable contribution to developing Scandlines’ retail and catering services on-board its ferries, as well as in its land-based retail shops.

Peter Wirtz, 3i Partner and Managing Director Germany, commented: “We are delighted to have found Steve to join the Board of Scandlines. His extensive experience and insight in building a big brand in the leisure travel and retail sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow Scandlines.”

Steve Ridgway said: “I am delighted to be joining Scandlines as Chairman. I am excited by the company’s growth prospects, as evidenced by the modernisation and expansion of its fleet and the continued focus on improving the customer experience. I look forward to working with Søren and the management team to continue Scandlines’ growth plan.”

Søren Poulsgaard, CEO of Scandlines, commented:  “We are delighted that Steve is joining us as Chairman. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we pursue our growth strategy, continually enhance our customer experience and modernise our fleet.”

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For further information, contact:

3i Group plc
Kathryn van der Kroft
Tel: +44 20 7975 3021
Email: kathryn.vanderkroft@3i.com

Notes to editors:

About 3i Group

3i is a leading international investor focused on mid-market private equity, infrastructure and debt management across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For further information, please visit: www.3i.com.

About Scandlines

Scandlines is one of the largest ferry operators in the Baltic Sea, transporting in excess of 11m people per year. The business operates 9 ferries between Germany, Denmark and Sweden and benefits from the growing traffic corridors between these countries which, in turn, is driven by the solid economic growth across the Nordic region.

In addition to providing retail and catering services on-board its ferries, Scandlines also operates 2 land-based retail shops under the BorderShop umbrella. At 8,000 m², its Puttgarden BorderShop is one of the largest border shops in the world, serving more than 700,000 customers per year.

www.scandlines.com