Young Brothers names veteran logistics executive to lead operations

Young Brothers, Hawaiʻi’s interisland freight company, appointed Steen Christensen as its new president effective Jan. 13, 2026, marking a transition aimed at steadying service and finances for one of the islands’ vital supply-chain links. Christensen replaces Frank Almaraz, who had served as interim president since July 2025 while the company completed a leadership search.

Christensen brings nearly 40 years of executive experience in transportation and logistics, with senior roles at Scan Global Logistics, SEKO Logistics, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, GEODIS and Deutsche Post DHL. Young Brothers said the hire followed a comprehensive executive search; board leadership singled out the need for operational reliability and financial sustainability as priorities for the new administration. Board chair committee member Emily Porter thanked Almaraz for his stewardship during the transition period.

For Big Island County residents and businesses, leadership at Young Brothers matters because the company is a central link for moving goods between islands. Changes at the top can affect scheduling, service continuity and the company’s approach to costs - all factors that ripple into inventory management for retailers, deliveries for small businesses and availability of everyday essentials for households. Christensen emphasized that his first priority will be to listen to employees, customers and communities to ensure reliable service and financial sustainability for the company.

From a market and policy perspective, installing an executive with global logistics experience signals a push toward professionalizing operations and managing costs in a volatile freight environment. Christensen’s background at multinational firms suggests familiarity with network optimization, vendor negotiations and large-scale logistics systems. For local officials and commercial customers, the expectation will be clearer service commitments and transparent communication about any operational or rate changes that could affect island-to-island commerce.

Economically, stability at Young Brothers matters for resilience on the Big Island. Interisland freight reliability reduces the risk of stockouts, supports seasonal agricultural shipments and helps small businesses plan cash flow and staffing. A focus on financial sustainability also matters for long-term affordability of freight services; if Young Brothers can streamline costs without cutting service, the benefits will accrue to consumers and local firms alike.

The takeaway? A seasoned executive now leads the company that keeps goods moving between islands, and residents should watch for service updates and engagement opportunities as Christensen settles in. Our two cents? Stay alert to notices from Young Brothers, raise service concerns with your suppliers, and expect the company’s next moves to shape how reliably and affordably the Big Island gets what it needs.