PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port and logistics businesses, announced today that Paul Foreman will take over from current CEO Frans Calje on 1^st September, with Frans set to step down after almost ten years as CEO and more than 18 successful years with the company altogether.

Paul Foreman, current Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as CEO following a competitive recruitment process.

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, as operator of Teesport, the largest port in the north-east of England, 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. As the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, PD Ports ensures the river is safe and navigable, helping to generate economic growth for a wide number of other businesses, continuing the river’s legacy as a source of trade and employment for future generations.

Speaking of his departure, Frans Calje, current CEO of PD Ports said: “I always said, right from the moment I originally became CEO, 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 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”.

Discussing the change of leadership, Brookfield Operating Partner Becky Lumlock said: On behalf of Brookfield and Pontegadea, I’d like to thank Frans for his impactful and integrity-driven leadership of PD Ports, which has delivered significant growth over the last ten years. We are delighted to appoint Paul into the CEO role – his innovative and strategic mindset has been central to the long-term planning for the business for some time and we are confident he will steer the business to new levels of success.”

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.”

In a further change, current Executive Chairman Jerry Hopkinson will move into a Non-Executive Chairman role at PD Ports, also from 1st September. While he will step away from day-to-day Executive Team activities, in this new role he 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.

Jerry said: “Having been part of PD Ports for many years, I have a unique perspective on its history and culture, the importance of the position it holds in the region and its considerable future potential. Above all PD Ports is a strong company that is rightly respected as a key driver of progress and prosperity in the north of the UK. I am confident that, under Paul’s leadership, the strength of our infrastructure and the talent and commitment of our people will continue to drive the business onward – embracing the opportunities ahead and building on a proud legacy as the guardians of the River Tees.”