It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anders Christian Anderson – long-standing director and later CEO of MAKEEN Energy. Anders passed away peacefully on 27 December, surrounded by his family, at the age of 62.
To Anders, MAKEEN Energy was more than just a workplace – it was a family. He began his journey with the company (then known as Kosan Crisplant) in December 1989 as an engineer and rose through the ranks to become a project manager, director, and ultimately CEO in June 2003. Under his leadership, the company grew from approximately 120 employees to nearly 4,000 worldwide, with the number of offices increasing from 2 to 22. Revenue soared from EUR 29 million to over EUR 268 million.
But it was Anders’ personal qualities that truly set him apart as a valued colleague and leader. He had a rare ability to bring people together with his caring, openness, and dedication. He was passionate about fostering a culture where everyone felt seen, heard, and appreciated. Anders was a remarkable leader with an exceptional presence and a strong drive for innovation and collaboration. This mindset was evident in his leadership during a major transformation of the company, decentralising sales and service into subsidiaries closer to the customers. This shift enabled MAKEEN Energy to grow from a local business into a global player in responsible energy solutions, including plastic waste recycling.
In 2019, Anders oversaw the relocation of MAKEEN Energy to Randers, becoming the first company to establish itself in the city’s new harbour area. This move created new jobs in the region and earned him the title of Randers Citizen of the Year in 2021 – a testament to his significant contributions to the local community. Anders strongly believed in using his influence for good, and he was a driving factor in MAKEEN Energy’s participation in projects such as Cooking For Life and Bottled Gas for Better Life that sought to provide clean fuel to people in need.
Behind the title of CEO was a man who always prioritised his family above all else. Anders often spoke about his wife Anette, their three children – Frida, Gustav, and Emilie – and his grandchildren as the foundation of his life. He found peace in family life and cherished the simple joys of the everyday, such as taking walks with the family dog, Melvin.
“Life is about balance. I’ve invested a lot in my work, but I’ve always made sure to have time for my family and the things that keep me grounded,” Anders often said.
Through all his achievements, Anders was known for his compassion, helpfulness, and dedication. He never hesitated to give his time and support to colleagues and the community. He firmly believed that success was a result of teamwork and described MAKEEN Energy as a family where employees and partners worked closely together towards shared goals.
Anders will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. He leaves behind an immense void but also a lasting legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, human values, and unwavering commitment to the community.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, who have lost a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In his final days, Anders was surrounded by those dearest to him, leaving behind an indelible mark – both personally and professionally.
On behalf of all of us in MAKEEN Energy, we honour the memory of Anders Christian Anderson.