Port operator boss departs in business' 'new chapter'

A national port operator boss is leaving his role.

Frans Calje is stepping down as PD Ports chief executive.

He will be replaced by current chief operating officer Paul Foreman on September 1.

The business, whose portfolio includes the North East-based Teesport trade hub, says the change “comes at a pivotal time… amid ambitious plans to accelerate growth, optimise customer service and adapt to changing industry needs”.

Frans, who has been in post for ten years and worked for PD Ports for more than 18 years, said “the time is right for a change of leadership”.

He said: “I always said, right from the moment I became chief executive, that a ten-year timeframe would be in the best interests of the business, before a fresh perspective and new direction would be required to take us to our next chapter of success.

“I am so proud to be leaving a business that is now safer, stronger and looking ahead to a sustainable and financially stable future.”

Paul said: “I’m delighted and honoured to take over from Frans, who has achieved so much here, including the transformation of our container and bulks business, improving safety standards and significantly strengthening our balance sheet.

“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.” 

Becky Lumlock, operating partner at global investment firm Brookfield, which holds a majority stake in PD Ports, added: “On behalf of Brookfield and (fellow PD Ports stake owner) Pontegadea, I’d like to thank Frans for his impactful and integrity-driven leadership.

“We are delighted to appoint Paul into the chief executive role; we are confident he will steer the business to new levels of success.”

PD Ports also operates as the River Tees’ statutory harbour authority, with its 11-strong base portfolio additionally including Port of Hartlepool; a warehousing and open storage site in Immingham, on the Humber Estuary; a steel handling site at Groveport, on the River Trent; a Felixstowe global distribution hub; and an Isle of Wight cargo handling hub.

The management changes will also see executive chair Jerry Hopkinson move to a non-executive chair role.

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