NEW Zealand’s Port Nelson announced its CEO, Martin Byrne, would stand down from his position later this year.
Mr Byrne took up the port’s CEO mantle back in 2004 and led the organisation through the past 15 years.
Over that period, cargo volumes have grown from 2.45m revenue tonnes in 2003 to 3.6m revenue tonnes in 2018. Container volumes increased from 44,632 TEU to 121,483 TEU over the same period, with revenue growing from NZ$25.4m to NZ$67.2m.
A media statement said the board was disappointed to see Mr Byrne depart, port chairman Phil Lough said they could proudly reflect on the significant growth, profitability and strong leadership culture that has developed during his time as CEO.
Highlights of Mr Byrnes tenure Mr Lough said included “building the management team, improved reporting to shareholders, adapting the business model to meet changing conditions, improved governance and the establishment of innovative strategies to get closer to customers”.
Outside of the day to day leadership of the port, Mr Byrne has also worked closely with several local community and charitable organisations ensuring the success of the port has been beneficial to the wider Nelson Tasman community.
During his tenure as CEO Mr Byrne has held a number of senior positions within the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) including being elected as vice-president for Asia-Pacific in 2016.
While Mr Byrne indicated he has made no firm commitments on his next role at this time, his main focus will be around looking at potential governance opportunities which he hopes to firm up over the coming months. According to Mr Lough, Port Nelson will look to commence the recruitment process for a replacement soon, with the hope of having someone in place prior to the end of September. He believed the role would be a highly attractive one to potential candidates.
