PD Ports, the operator of the North-East’s largest port, has announced a significant leadership transition. After a decade at the helm, CEO Frans Calje will step down on 1 September. He will be succeeded by current Chief Operating Officer Paul Foreman, marking a new chapter for the vital regional trade hub.
Key takeaways
- Frans Calje is stepping down as CEO after ten years in the role.
- Current COO Paul Foreman will take over as CEO on 1 September.
- Executive Chairman Jerry Hopkinson will transition to a non-executive chairman position.
- The changes aim to drive future growth and adapt to evolving industry needs.
A decade of transformation
Frans Calje, who has spent 18 years with the company in total, has long maintained that a ten-year tenure as CEO was the optimal timeframe for the business to benefit from fresh leadership. During his time in charge, Calje oversaw the transformation of the company’s container and bulk operations and significantly strengthened its financial position. His tenure has been marked by a focus on safety and sustainable growth, leaving the business in a robust state for his successor.
Stepping into the future
Incoming CEO Paul Foreman is set to take the reins at a pivotal moment for the business. With ambitious plans to accelerate growth and optimise customer service, the company is looking to adapt to modern technological and industrial demands. Foreman’s previous role as COO has been instrumental in the company’s long-term strategic planning, making him a natural successor to lead the organisation into its next phase of development.
Strategic governance changes
Alongside the appointment of a new CEO, the company is adjusting its board structure to ensure long-term stability. Jerry Hopkinson, the current executive chairman, will move into a non-executive role. In this capacity, he will continue to serve as a key strategic adviser, ensuring robust governance and accountability. As an operating partner for Brookfield, he will continue to chair the board, providing continuity and guidance as the business continues to serve as the statutory harbour authority for the River Tees.
