Peel Ports appoints new operations chief

Peel Ports Group has appointed international shipping executive Audrey Dolhen as its new chief operating officer, Unitised, strengthening its leadership team as it targets further growth across its Irish Sea operations.

Dolhen joins the UK’s second-largest port operator from ZIM Shipping, where she was managing director of the UK business. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in container shipping and logistics, including senior roles with CMA CGM across Europe and Asia. She will join the Peel Ports Group executive board.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Peel Ports Group at a time when there is such a clear opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place across our unitised markets,” Dolhen said. “I see significant potential to grow volumes, strengthen customer relationships and attract new services.”

In her new role, Dolhen will bring together the Group’s Irish Sea Containers and RoRo operations across Liverpool, Dublin and Heysham. Collectively, the businesses handle more than 1.4 million units of cargo each year for major shipping lines and freight operators, making them a key component of Peel Ports’ long-term growth strategy.

Before joining ZIM Shipping, Dolhen spent two decades with CMA CGM, holding senior commercial and leadership positions including managing director for India, chief commercial officer for China and managing director for the UK. She also worked at the company’s global headquarters in Marseille.

Peel Ports chief executive Claudio Veritiero said Dolhen’s international shipping expertise and customer perspective would strengthen the executive board. He said her track record of leading complex businesses and high-performing teams would be valuable as the Group accelerates growth across its unitised operations.

David Huck, chief operating officer, Ports and Marine, will continue leading strategic prioritisation and growth across the group’s other port activities, which collectively handle 40 million tonnes of cargo annually.