Just under a week ago Port of Liverpool operator Peel Ports announced chief executive Claudio Veritiero had quit the group – now it has moved swiftly to appoint a replacement. Tony McDonough reports
Peel Ports chief operating officer David Huck is stepping up to become chief executive following the departure of Claudio Veritiero.
On Tuesday last week it was announced Mark Whitworth, non-executive chairman and former Peel Ports CEO, would become executive chairman on an interim basis. However, the Port of Liverpool operator has moved swiftly to fill the vacant CEO chair.
David will now lead what is the UK’s second-largest port group, a business that generates £820m in annual revenues and handles more than 60m tonnes of cargo each year through its network of ports, terminals and logistics operations.
It operates facilities in Liverpool, Heysham, Medway, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth and Dublin. Its assets also include Manchester Ship Canal.
With 16 years of experience across a range of senior leadership roles within the business, including almost a decade on the executive team, David brings an “exceptional depth of knowledge, operational expertise and strategic insight”.
“I am proud to succeed Claudio, who has led Peel Ports through a period of significant growth, investment and transformation during his five-year tenure,” he said.
“As chief operating officer, I have worked closely alongside him to deliver strong financial and operational performance in a challenging market. We will now build on that momentum, pursuing our ambitious growth plans.”
As well as serving as chief operating officer David was also chairman of the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Port Security Authority.
In that role, he led the group’s ports and marine operations across the UK and Ireland, overseeing six ports and Statutory Harbour Authorities, 24 terminals and a workforce of more than 2,000 employees and third-party logistics personnel.
READ MORE: Sciontec in pre-let talks for £69m HEMISPHERE
Mark Whitworth added: “David is a highly respected figure in the business with extensive operational, commercial and strategic leadership experience.
“He has been integral to the company’s success for 16 years, championing projects to transform our ports into the most efficient and automated network of terminals in the UK.”