Associated British Ports is looking to expand its investment portfolio with the introduction of a new property asset management role for the business.

The UK’s leading port operator has appointed Rob Morton as Lead Property Asset Manager in its Humber based property team. He will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities through the management and building of relationships with new and existing ABP customers and hold responsibility for asset management and property development projects.

ABP operates four ports in the Humber and has an extensive development land bank with the appetite to acquire further strategic land holdings.

Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber said:

“We welcome Rob to ABP and see this role as central to the success of the future development pipeline and revenue growth for the business.

“There are many opportunities to enhance our current portfolio including reviews of underutilised parcels of land within our ports.”

Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) added:

“We are delighted to welcome Rob to the team. He has a proven record of accomplishment in asset management and will play a key role in our expansion and growth of our investment portfolio. We are constantly looking at our strategy, delivering exceptional results, and supporting the continued expansion of our customers. The introduction of this role will further strengthen our team on the Humber.”

Rob joins the team after seven years working for Commercial Estates Group where he was responsible for the performance of a mixed portfolio comprising seven office and industrial assets across the North West and Yorkshire. Rob added: “I am delighted to join ABP at this exciting time as we embark on the new property strategy. I am looking forward to working on the asset management of HIEP (Humber International Enterprise Park) and attracting new customers to what is one of the largest logistics development opportunities in the wider Yorkshire market”.

Based in ABP’s Hull and Immingham offices, Rob’s newly created role will strengthen the company’s property capabilities and bolster its new business opportunities portfolio.

The ABP Property team are looking to broaden its reach and seek new clients. ABP is one of the UK’s largest property and landowners. At the Port of Grimsby in the area known as the Kasbah the company owns a substantial number of historic buildings which are currently being renovated and are the catalyst for new development plans for the location. It was recently announced that the former Ice Factory sold by ABP in 2021 is to be transformed into a conference centre with the addition of a new hotel on site.

The new position has been created following the realignment of the property strategy and is central to the success of the future ABP property development pipeline and revenue growth.