PD Ports has announced that chief operating officer Paul Foreman will become its new chief executive on 1 September, succeeding Frans Calje, who is stepping down after almost a decade leading the business and more than 18 years with the company.
Foreman will take charge as the UK port and logistics operator prepares to boost growth, enhance customer services and continue investing in technology and infrastructure.
Calje said the transition marked the right time for a new chapter. “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,” he said.
“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.”
Brookfield operating partner Becky Lumlock thanked Calje for his leadership, saying it had delivered ‘significant growth’ over the past decade. She added: “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 and we are confident he will steer the business to new levels of success.”
Foreman said he was ‘delighted and honoured’ to succeed Calje, praising his predecessor’s achievements in strengthening the company’s operations, finances and safety standards. “I am excited to lead this business, which is so key to the prosperity of Teesside, driving economic growth and providing employment and opportunities for so many hard-working people,” he said.
The leadership changes also see executive chair Jerry Hopkinson become non-executive chair from 1 September, continuing to provide strategic oversight as PD Ports pursues its next phase of expansion.
