Associated British Ports, the UK’s largest port operator, has appointed Sandrine Lagrost as its new Head of Commercial for the Humber, joining the business on 2 November 2026.

Sandrine joins ABP from UPS, where she serves as Sales Director for the UK, Ireland and Nordics and is a member of the Executive Committee. She brings extensive experience in blue chip commercial leadership, supporting customer growth and international trade and supply chains. As a business leader Sabrine brings a strong track record of delivering business growth and organisational transformation.

Sandrine’s appointment comes at an exciting time for ABP’s four ports on the Humber as the company continues to develop its infrastructure and capability offer for customers, strengthening the region’s position as the UK’s #1 trading gateway for the UK by volume.

Working closely with colleagues across the business Sandrine will play a key leadership role in further establishing ABP’s Humber ports as the ports of choice for customers across the North of England and beyond, giving them more options and resilience as they trade with Europe. Her appointment is the latest and most senior of a number of recent hires into the ABP Humber team.

Sandrine Lagrost, incoming Head of Commercial for ABP Humber, said: “I am delighted to be joining ABP and to have the opportunity to work in the Humber, one of the UK’s most strategically important trading gateways. The Humber plays a vital role in supporting UK economic growth, connecting businesses to global markets and enabling the movement of critical goods and materials.

“ABP already has a strong reputation for investment and sustainable growth and I’m excited to take that to new levels. I can’t wait to get started, meet our customers and colleagues, and help build on the Humber’s success in the years ahead to ensure it is the #1 port of choice for existing and prospective customers.”

Andrew Dawes, Regional Director for the Humber at ABP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sandrine to ABP. She brings a wealth of commercial experience from an internationally leading business, together with deep expertise in customer development, trade and global supply chains.”

“Sandrine has a strong track record of delivering business growth, leading high-performing teams and driving transformation. These qualities will be invaluable as we continue to develop the Humber’s offer for customers and reinforce its position as the UK’s number one gateway for trade.”

“I would also like to thank Paul Litten for his major contribution to the Humber business in the Head of Commercial role. His leadership, passion and commitment have helped shape our commercial success, and we are pleased that he will continue to support the business.”

In her new role Sandrine will lead ABP’s commercial activities across the Humber ports, working with customers and stakeholders to support business and regional economic growth.

Paul Litten will remain with ABP, supporting a smooth transition and continuing to contribute to a number of strategic commercial initiatives across the business.