Cadeler boss Mikkel Gleerup hits back at harassment and bullying claims

Cadeler chief executive Mikkel Gleerup has launched a defence of himself and the offshore wind vessel company after being accused in the Danish press of bullying and harassment.

One mentions being shouted and screamed at.

One passage claims some staff spotted two books on Gleerup’s desk in 2017, which they found strange. A photo was taken.

In a post on LinkedIn, Gleerup said he would like to address the matter.

He called the accusations against him and the working environment at Cadeler “serious”.

“The criticism is about my management style and the culture that I help to shape,” Gleerup said.

“I cannot recognise the picture that is being painted — neither by Cadeler nor by me. If you have been to our office, you know the feeling of a welcoming culture, rounded off by skilled and passionate employees.”

Gleerup said its latest workplace assessment showed good results, but he acknowledged there are areas that the wind turbine installation vessel owner is working on improving.

During the most recent visit by the Danish workplace watchdog, there was one remark about high work pressure, not surprising for a company in rapid growth, Gleerup explained.

He called parts of the article “sensational”.

He called the book on power an “innocent gift”. He has never read either tome.

“From the teasers of the books, I understand that they are about how to avoid being manipulated — not about how to manipulate,” Gleerup said.

But he did admit that working in pressured situations can seem overwhelming.

“And I cannot deny that in pressured situations I have spoken too directly or too harshly. If it has been perceived as crossing the line, that is my responsibility — and I am sincerely sorry and apologise unreservedly. I will take that with me,” Gleerup added.

Gleerup explained that a year ago, similar allegations were raised through the company’s whistleblower scheme.

Personal criticism hurts

“They were investigated impartially and thoroughly by our Speak-Up Committee, board of directors and an external consultancy without finding any breaches of our code of conduct or bad culture,” he said. “We take the criticism seriously and have investigated all allegations.”

Gleerup said he wants to foster a healthy culture.

He said: “That is why we are also able to retain and develop our best people. We sometimes have high work pressure. That is why I am also grateful that our employees continue to recommend us to their networks.

“But I also stand by the fact that we can — and must — develop ourselves. That applies to me, too.”

Gleerup said personal criticism makes a big impression on him.

“And it hurts that the focus is removed from the work that our many talented colleagues do every day, with passion and responsibility. They are the ones who carry Cadeler forward. It is their efforts that deserve attention,” he said.

Cadeler has been contacted for further information.