A new chief executive and chairman have been named at Peel Ports, the group behind the likes of Liverpool2 and Manchester Ship Canal.
Chairman Tom Allison is to stand down but will remain on the board as a non-executive director.
Mark Whitworth is also to leave his role as chief executive but will assume the role of chairman, overseeing the strategic development and governance of the group.
READ MORE: Major Peel Ports shareholder sells stake in Liverpool2 and Manchester Ship Canal group
He will be succeeded as CEO by Claudio Veritiero. The changes to the senior leadership team will take effect from April 4, 2022.
Mr Whitworth joined the Liverpool-headquartered port operator as chief executive in 2010.
He said: "For more than a decade we have consistently been at the forefront of the UK ports industry for the delivery of growth and investment.
"This has been a transformational period for the business and one that has enabled the group to create thousands of high value jobs within our existing and new facilities.
"Given that stability in the company leadership has been a cornerstone of our success, the changes we are announcing today have been two years in the planning to ensure a smooth transition.
"We have ambitious plans to maintain the growth trajectory, which in turn will continue to create positive results not only for our company, but also for the regions and communities we operate within, for many years to come.
"The time is right for change and Claudio will be integral to making that change happen as he leads the business into an exciting new era."
Speaking about Tom Allison’s retirement as chairman, he added: "Tom has been an outstanding mentor throughout his time with our group and has overseen an unprecedented period of success.
"His business acumen and strategic counsel have been critical over the last 25 years and we are privileged to have him continuing to support the company as a non-executive director."
Mr Allison was appointed chief executive of Clydeport plc in 1997 and subsequently led the creation of Peel Ports Group in 2003.
He then combined the role of CEO and chairman, overseeing the acquisition of Mersey Docks and Harbour Company in 2005.
Mr Veritiero joined Peel Ports in 2021 with over 25 years of experience working in the infrastructure, logistics, property development and financing markets.
He was previously chief operating officer of Kier Group plc and has held roles as chief operating officer of Speedy Hire and in the investment banking advisory division of Rothschild &Co.
Mr Veritiero said: "Since joining Peel Ports a year ago, I’ve been taken by the calibre of our people, our operations and our customer relationships.
"I’m delighted to be taking on the role of CEO and will look to build on the unprecedented success that Mark has led over 12 years.
"One of my priorities will be to take stock of the changing needs of our customers and the port communities in which we operate so that we can further enhance our offering and customer experience.
"Ports are a vital catalyst for the whole economy, not just the supply chain, with a crucial role to play in creating jobs and enabling economic regeneration. I look forward to working closely with the leadership teams across the business, our customers and our commercial and community partners, as we deliver the next phase of our growth journey."
