A spokesperson for the ports said: “The change of leadership comes at a pivotal time for the business which has ambitious plans to accelerate growth, optimise services for customers and adapt to the changing needs of industry and technology with continued investment and expansion.”
PD Ports contributes £1.4 billion annually to the Teesside economy, supporting 22,000 jobs in the wider supply chain and directly employing more than 1,400 people across 11 UK sites.
Speaking of his appointment, Paul said: “I’m delighted and honoured to take over from Frans who has achieved so much in his time here, including the transformation of our container and bulks business, improving safety standards and significantly strengthening our balance sheet. I am also extremely grateful for his support as I take on this role. I am excited to lead this business which as operator of the largest port in the North East, is so key to the prosperity of Teesside, driving economic growth and providing employment and opportunities for so many hard-working people.”
Frans said: “I always said, right from the moment I originally became CEO, that a 10-year timeframe would be in the best interests of the business, before a fresh perspective and new direction would be required to take us on to our next chapter of success. The time is therefore right for a change of leadership to drive growth and the continued evolution of PD Ports. I am so proud to be leaving a business that is now safer, stronger and looking ahead to a sustainable and financially stable future, thanks to the work we’ve done together in this last ten years”.
In a further change, current Executive Chairman Jerry Hopkinson will move into a Non-Executive Chairman role at PD Ports, also from 1st September. Whilst stepping away from day-to-day Executive Team activities, Jerry will continue to be a key strategic advisor for the business, ensuring strong governance, probity and accountability and, as Operating Partner for Brookfield, will chair the Board at PD Ports, alongside his other Brookfield commitments.
Author: Ian
Reporter and author of Pop Life, covering all things news, music and local events.