The UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) has announced the appointment of David Brown, Chief Executive Officer of The Bristol Port Company, as Chair, and Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of Forth Ports, as Vice Chair.

David succeeds Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Associated British Ports (ABP), who has chaired the Group for the past three years alongside UKMPG Chief Executive Geraint Evans.

On his appointment, David said:

“I am delighted to have been elected Chair of the UK Major Ports Group and would like to thank Henrik for his excellent leadership over the past three years.

“Ports are central to the UK’s future prosperity. They keep trade moving, support jobs and investment in communities across the country, and are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening national resilience and enabling the energy transition.

“I look forward to working with my fellow CEOs and with Government to ensure our sector continues to deliver for businesses, communities and consumers, helping to drive sustainable economic growth across the UK.”

Commenting on his election as Vice Chair, Stuart added:

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the sector to champion the vital role our ports play in supporting the UK economy, driving economic growth in every corner of the country and strengthening Britain’s trade connections.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Henrik noted:

“It has been a real pleasure to chair the UK Major Ports Group over the past three years, a period that has seen significant diversification in the role our ports play. Ports have long been vital enablers of trade and economic growth, but the past three years have seen sharper recognition of how they can support national resilience, by driving energy abundance and forging stronger partnerships with our armed forces, whilst tackling the challenges of decarbonising our own estates and supporting our customers.

“I look forward to continuing to support the UK Major Ports Group’s work and wish David every success as he takes on the role.”

Welcoming the appointments, Geraint remarked:

“I am delighted to welcome David and Stuart to their new roles and look forward to building further momentum in 2027.

“Both are highly experienced leaders of major UK ports and bring a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our sector. Their leadership will help ensure the UK Major Ports Group continues to champion the contribution ports make to trade, growth, energy security and national resilience.

“As we welcome David, I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Henrik Pedersen for his outstanding leadership and counsel over the past three years. Henrik has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of our sector and strengthening the Group’s voice with government and stakeholders across the UK.”

The appointments come at a defining time for the UK ports sector. As well as keeping UK trade moving, ports are increasingly at the heart of the energy transition, strengthening national resilience, enabling investment and growth, and supporting communities across the country.