Peter Skjærbæk: not one for big words, but big on results

Peter Skjærbæk has built a career on trust, teamwork, and occasionally doing things that weren't in the job description.

When asked why he has stayed with the company for over three decades, his answer is simple:

“I've had many different jobs over the years, so I never really felt the need to look elsewhere.”

For someone who has spent more than 30 years in the same business, that's probably the least dramatic career explanation you'll ever hear. But it also says a lot about the way he approaches work: focus on the opportunities in front of you rather than worrying too much about the next step.

Since joining Danbor in 1992, he has taken on a wide range of roles, culminating in his current position as Managing Director of Maersk H2S Safety Services.

Along the way, he has experienced industry booms, acquisitions, ownership changes, and enough unexpected challenges to fill several careers.

What has kept him motivated throughout it all?

“The people,” and “our performance” he says without hesitation.

When offshore was the obvious choice

Although born in Copenhagen, he moved to Esbjerg in 1971 and has called South Jutland home ever since. After completing high school, he headed to Aalborg University, graduating with a Master's degree in Engineering focused on offshore operations.

His first job took him to Germany as an insurance adjuster, but the booming offshore industry soon drew him back to Esbjerg.

“The harbour was light blue back then,” he recalls. “Maersk Oil, Maersk Drilling, Danbor and Esvagt. Offshore was everywhere, and with my educational background, it was the natural place to be.”

When ties and jackets were mandatory

On 5 May 1992, he joined Danbor as an HSEQ Assistant and took the first step in what would become a 34-year journey.

Like many people starting a new job, he remembers his early days vividly.

“There were a lot of new people and a lot of new terms to learn.”

There was also one thing that made an immediate impression.

“Everyone wore a shirt, tie and jacket. My boss quickly informed me that if you were walking around the office, you wore your jacket. And all office doors had to stay closed.”

Some traditions, thankfully, have not survived the decades.

A career shaped by opportunities

Over the years, he progressed through a variety of leadership roles, including HSEQ Manager and manager of production facilities, before becoming Managing Director following Danbor's acquisition of Maersk H2S Safety Services in 2006.

Looking back, he points not to a specific title or project, but to something more fundamental.

“The biggest thing has been the opportunities I've been given and the trust people have shown in me.”

That said, there have been some memorable moments.

One was watching the massive 3,000-tonne Dan FE module being rolled onto a barge in Esbjerg Harbour.

“It was impressive watching Mammoet move towards the water while quietly hoping it wouldn't tip over.”

Other standout moments include the acquisition of Maersk H2S Safety Services in 2006, the sale of Danbor in 2014, and the recently announced sale of Maersk Training and Maersk H2S Safety Services in 2026.

“Those were definitely not tasks that appeared in my original job description.”

Leadership starts with people

Today, what he enjoys most about his role is working with people.

“The employees. Their commitment and engagement.”

His view on teamwork is equally uncomplicated.

“Respect each other and live our values. All with a smile and a bit of humour.”

Over the years, he has worked with countless colleagues and direct reports, each bringing different strengths and personalities.

“I've tried to take the best qualities from each of them and share those with my colleagues.”

And if you've worked with him for any length of time, you've probably heard one phrase more than once:

“Let's find a solution.”

Simple enough to fit on a coffee mug.

Football boots, skiing, golf clubs and Harley-Davidson

Outside the office, sport has always played a big role in his life.

In his younger years, football wasn't really a hobby. It was closer to a lifestyle. These days, padel, golf and fitness training keep him busy, while an annual ski trip to the Alps remains firmly locked into the calendar. Like many golfers, he is currently convinced the next round will be better than the last.

When Peter is not working or staying active, he enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends. Skiing with his family remains a favourite, guided by the saying: “You don't stop skiing when you get old, you get old when you stop skiing.”

And then there are also some details that tend to surprise people.

“I've owned two Harleys and used to ride around in leather chaps and boots. One was a Panhead with a kick-starter. If you could get it started, you felt like a king. If you couldn't, you got a decent workout.”

In his younger days, he also played trumpet in “Vesterhavsdrengene”, a local brass band, so before the Harley, there was already plenty of noise.

It's probably not the first image that comes to mind when people think of a leader in the energy industry, but as he points out, careers are rarely as straightforward as they look on paper.

Quick fire

What's the most South Jutland thing about you?

Thinking twice before spending money, and then ensuring a good deal.

What are you unofficially responsible for around here?

Cleaning the coffee machine, despite no longer drinking coffee during working hours.

What are you ridiculously competitive about?

According to my wife: everything. According to me: only things that matter.

Three words that describe you?

According to my wife: Hate to lose. Ambitious. Good listener.

What would you ban from working life forever?

People who insist the glass is half empty. And people with no sense of humour.

If a movie was made about your life, who would play you?

My wife says Frank Hvam. For our international colleagues, he's the star of the Danish comedy series Klovn, famous for turning ordinary situations into awkward ones despite having the best intentions. I'm still not sure what my wife is trying to tell me.

Keep your feet on the ground

After more than three decades in the business, his advice to new colleagues remains refreshingly simple:

“Keep your feet on the ground, treat people with respect, work together to find solutions, and remember that a sense of humour is often just as important as a good plan.”