Paavo Nõgene, who has led Tallink for the past eight years, will step down from his position voluntarily, with his final day set for May 22. His leadership spanned three significant crises: the pandemic, geopolitical tensions from war, and economic downturns affecting the countries where the company operates. Nõgene's tenure was marked by his ability to guide the company through these challenging times, earning commendations from the board for his dedication and contributions.

Enn Pant, the chairman of AS Tallink Grupp, expressed gratitude for Nõgene's efforts, stating that the company is currently in good health to move forward. Nõgene emphasized the importance of leadership reflection, suggesting that leaders must evaluate their ongoing value and contributions to their organizations. He believes it is time to pass the leadership baton to someone new, with fresh ideas to continue developing and steering Tallink in the right direction after his lengthy tenure.

In his farewell, Nõgene thanked nearly five thousand colleagues and the board for their collaboration, highlighting that Tallink is a strong company with excellent employees. This leadership change may signify a new direction for Tallink as it moves toward recovery and growth following the disruptions faced in recent years. Nõgene's departure is significant for the Estonian maritime industry, reflecting broader trends as companies seek adaptive leaders in a rapidly changing environment.