Nanna Westerby Jensen is an experienced public-sector executive with a strong track record in urban development, political advisory services, public governance, and the management of complex stakeholder environments. Over the past eleven years, she has played a key role within the Finance Administration of the City of Copenhagen, most recently serving as Director of Planning and a member of the executive management team, with responsibility for the city’s overall development, cross-functional planning processes, and relations with a number of the municipality’s major companies.

With this appointment, By & Havn gains a leader with in-depth knowledge of the development of the Danish capital, political decision-making processes, and the interaction between public authorities, corporations, and other stakeholders involved in shaping the Copenhagen of the future.

Commenting on the appointment, Chair of the Board Pia Gjellerup said:

“We are delighted to welcome Nanna Westerby Jensen as our new Chief Executive Officer. She is an outgoing, inclusive, and decisive leader with a strong political understanding and a keen sense of when an issue requires a political, administrative, or more commercial approach. Her particular strength lies in building relationships, engaging stakeholders, and driving progress across the City of Copenhagen, state-owned enterprises, and external partners.”

The Chair also highlighted Nanna Westerby Jensen’s personal and leadership qualities:

“She possesses a strong character and brings considerable professional expertise. I am therefore confident that we have found a Chief Executive Officer who will combine clarity with responsiveness – qualities that are essential both externally and internally. Externally, in relation to the city’s governance and its citizens. Internally, in relation to an ambitious workforce spanning a broad range of professional disciplines and responsibilities.”

Nanna Westerby Jensen expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment and looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of By & Havn’s operations while continuing to help shape the future development of Copenhagen.

“Copenhagen holds a special place in my heart. During my lifetime, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation and has become an outstanding metropolitan city that now faces an entirely new set of challenges. I look forward to helping address those challenges.”

She notes that By & Havn plays a central role in guiding Copenhagen’s development through the creation of new urban districts, attractive public spaces, and the framework for a vibrant city life. She looks forward to working closely with residents, partners, and owners to develop the city in a manner that creates value for both current and future generations of Copenhageners.

“From my experience at Copenhagen City Hall, I know what an important instrument By & Havn is for its owners – the Danish state and the City of Copenhagen. In the years ahead, we must create space for new residents and finance the infrastructure required to serve them. The expansion of Nordhavn is currently well underway, and we are beginning development of the new districts in Østhavnen. These are significant responsibilities that the owners have entrusted to By & Havn.”

For Nanna Westerby Jensen, it is the combination of long-term planning, financial responsibility, and strong professional environments that forms the foundation for attractive and sustainable urban development.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence the Board has placed in me, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting started – not only together with the dedicated operational teams at By & Havn, who work every day to keep the city and harbour clean, safe, and attractive, but also with the many employees at Nordre Toldbod who are constantly working to develop the best possible city in dialogue with partners and the people of Copenhagen.”

Nanna Westerby Jensen will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer on 1 September.