New president takes helm at Young Brothers

Hawai‘i’s interisland freight company, Young Brothers, has a new president.

Steen Christensen was announced as president, effective Jan. 13, according to a news release from Young Brothers. He succeeds Frank Almaraz, who joined Young Brothers in July 2025 as Interim President during a leadership transition.

Christensen has nearly 40 years of executive leadership experience spanning transportation and logistics across North America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Most recently, he was Founder and CEO of Koldstone Logistics & Consulting, where he advised logistics and transportation enterprises on operational performance and organizational transformation.

Previously, he held senior executive roles at Scan Global Logistics, SEKO Logistics, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, GEODIS, and Deutsche Post DHL.

Christensen was selected following a comprehensive executive search by Young Brothers’ Board of Directors.

“Young Brothers plays a vital role in Hawaiʻi’s supply chain and way of life, and I recognize the deep responsibility that comes with ensuring we continue to fulfill this essential mission,” Christensen said.

Emily Porter, chair of the Board of Directors’ executive search committee, thanked Almaraz for his leadership during “a critical transition.”

Porter also said that Christensen brings a “strong blend of operational experience and transformational leadership will build on that foundation and guide the company forward with improved financial sustainability and reliable service connecting our island communities.”

Almaraz guided the company through a major regulatory approval and advancing reform efforts aimed at improving efficiency, managing costs, and sustaining dependable service to Hawaiʻi’s neighbor islands, according to the news release.

During Almaraz’s time at the helm, the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved a 25.75% rate increase for the limited liability company, Young Brothers, which went into effect on Jan. 1.

Almaraz will continue to advise the company through the end of the month as it begins implementing these reforms.

Christensen said his first priority will be listening and learning from Young Brothers employees, customers and the communities the company serves.