Bruce Barnard, Special Correspondent | Jan 02, 2012 11:21AM EST
A.P. Moller-Maersk CEO Nils Andersen underwent emergency heart surgery in Switzerland over the New Year, the parent of container ship operator Maersk Line said.
Doctors expect “a full recovery,” the company said in a statement.
Andersen, 53, who was admitted to hospital on Dec. 30, will be absent from work for about a month, the company said in a statement.
Andersen “has, unwittingly, had a leak in one of his heart valves, caused by either an infection or a weakness.”
“During a vacation in Switzerland his condition deteriorated acutely, and therefore he has undergone surgery which comprised replacement of a cardiac valve. The operation went well. Nils Andersen is expected to be absent for about one month, and the doctors are expecting a full recovery.”
Maersk’s executive board will run the Danish company during Andersen’s absence.
Andersen joined A.P. Moller-Maersk as CEO in 2007. Previously he was CEO of Danish brewer Carlsberg.
