EX-MAERSK Line CEO Eivind Kolding has left his post as CEO of Danske Bank, 20 per cent owned by AP Moller Maersk, with immediate effect after the board decided it needed a chief executive with "stronger qualifications within banking".

"Notwithstanding Eivind Kolding's professional and personal qualities, it is necessary to have a chief executive officer with stronger qualifications within banking," said Danske Bank chairman Ole Andersen.

Mr Kolding left AP Moller-Maersk in January last year to become Danske Bank's CEO in January 2012, noted Lloyd's List. He has been on the bank's board of directors since 2001 and once served as its chairman.