UKMPG has a new Executive Director. After 7 and a half years at the helm (and before that over 35 years in central Government), Richard Bird is retiring from the ports industry. From 16 January Theresa Crossley takes over as Executive Director. Theresa has a long association with the maritime sector having been head of Shipping Policy in the Department of Transport and, since 2010, a Director at the European Maritime Safety Agency based in Lisbon.

Richard Bird said

"It has been a huge privilege to have led UKMPG during such a challenging but also successful period for the UK's major ports, which are such a vital part of the economy. The industry has successfully weathered the storm of the recession and has invested strongly for the future, giving the UK the port infrastructure it needs so that the economy can grow and prosper."

Theresa Crossley said

"Richard will be a hard act to follow, but I feel very lucky to be taking over the leadership of UKMPG and I am looking forward to working with the ports industry to tackle the issues that most concern the UK's major ports. I hope that, together, we can help ensure that the UK ports industry continues to go from strength to strength."