The United Kingdom Major Ports Group ('UKMPG') has today announced that its Executive Director, Theresa Crossley, will be stepping down in October this year.

Theresa will be leaving UKMPG to take up a new role as Chief Executive of the International Maritime Rescue Foundation ('IMRF').

Theresa has led UKMPG, which represents ports that handle 75% of the UK's seaborne trade, since January 2015.

Commenting on her departure, UKMPG Chairman James Cooper said, "We will be very sorry to see Theresa leave UKMPG. She has led the organisation through some challenging times for the industry, not least the fight against the EU Port Services Regulation.

"The nation's ports play a vital role serving our economy and are central to its future success, helping to drive exports and boost economic growth.

"Theresa has helped create a solid foundation that will enable the industry to continue to fulfill that role, seizing the opportunities presented by Brexit, as well as addressing the challenges."

Theresa said, "It has been a privilege to represent the UK's major ports, which play such a vital role facilitating the nation's trade. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with colleagues across the industry, in Government and across the EU.

"The industry is a national success story and offers a great opportunity help deliver a stronger economy in the years ahead. By placing ports front and centre of its industrial strategy, the Government can ensure that opportunity is realised.

"I am very much looking forward to taking up my new position at the IMRF and the exciting new challenge this offers."