PD Ports has welcomed two new additions to its executive leadership team as it continues to elevate its position as the UK’s premier seaport and logistics operator.

With a proven track record of delivery – the company has attracted over £1.5 billion of inward investment and helped to create some 2,500 new jobs since 2005 – PD Ports is widely recognised as a partner of choice for customers and stakeholders, as well as a great place to work for employees.

As the port operator now continues its trajectory, whilst also navigating a change in a currently challenging external environment, the introduction of Liz Law as Chief Financial Officer and Andrew Crowe as Chief Commercial Officer, will ensure the prolonged strength of the executive leadership team and accelerate a period of transformation.

Liz Law joins PD Ports from Royal Mail where she held several senior positions both in and outside finance, most latterly as the Chief Financial Officer for Royal Mail UK. Liz brings material corporate insight and operational experience to PD Ports whilst also strongly advocating the port operator’s diversity and inclusion agenda.

On her appointment, Liz said: “I am very excited to join PD Ports and work with the team to deliver continued success for the business. PD Ports plays an important role facilitating trade and helping drive the UK economy from the heart of the Tees Valley. I look forward to being part of that.”

Andrew Crowe joins the group as Chief Commercial Officer following a career at Shell where he held global executive roles within the oil, gas and energy sector and will be instrumental as PD Ports continues to harness the River Tees’ unique strengths to be at the forefront of energy transition.

Andrew said: “I look forward to working alongside our key stakeholders to deliver on initiatives related to energy transition whilst simultaneously enhancing the competitiveness of the Tees Valley region and continuing to promote Teesport as a critical gateway for trade.”

Further to the new additions, there are also several other changes to the executive leadership team in support of a move towards PD Ports’ long-term vision.

Jerry Hopkinson, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Vice Chairman, has been appointed by the Board as the Executive Chairman of PD Ports and will work alongside CEO, Frans Calje, to ensure the development and delivery of major strategic objectives.

Jerry will be succeeded as COO by Paul Foreman, currently PD Ports’ Chief Technology Officer, who brings strength of experience in this discipline having previously held a COO role at Formica. Paul will also retain his responsibilities to drive transformational change through innovation across PD Ports’ IT infrastructure.

Jon Armstrong has been appointed Human Resources and Statutory Compliance Director and will lead all functional areas in respect of health and safety, the primary core value instilled across PD Ports.

Michael McConnell will continue to undertake his important work in respect of the management and development of PD Ports’ property portfolio as Group Property Director.

Frans Calje continues at the helm as CEO and remains optimistic about the future. He said: “These are both exciting and challenging times for PD Ports, for Teesport and for the regions in which we are based.

“However, our business has a historic track record, earned throughout over 150 years of continuous operation of being a positive catalyst for change and with these changes to our team I am confident we will continue to develop the business and deliver growth alongside our customers, our stakeholders and our communities.”

Jerry Hopkinson, in his new tenure as Executive Chairman, said: “PD Ports remains committed to driving transformation and acting as a catalyst for growth within the communities in which we operate and in the North of the UK.

“Maintaining and building on the strength of our executive leadership is key to our progress. We have a clearly defined vision, and I am confident that the knowledge Liz and Andrew bring, alongside that of the rest of the team, will enable us to realise our ambitions.”