17.10.2013
Port of London Authority Appoints Chief Executive
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The Port of London Authority (PLA) has announced the appointment of Robin Mortimer as chief executive, succeeding Richard Everitt, who has held the position since December 2004. Robin Mortimer will join the PLA in March 2014. He is currently a director in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where he led the transformation of British Waterways into the new Canal & River Trust, directs the Major Infrastructure and Environment Unit and set up the UK’s Adapting to Climate Change Programme. Previously Robin has been private secretary to the deputy prime minister and to the three Transport and Environment secretaries, where he advised on ports, aviation and London transport issues. He has also been seconded to the NHS as an operational manager for surgical services. |
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Commenting on the appointment, PLA chairman, Dame Helen Alexander, said:
“I am delighted that Robin will join us next year. It is an exciting time with new port facilities opening and the Mayor of London setting clear targets for increasing use of the river for passengers and freight. Robin’s experience in policy and engagement by government will be enormously useful as the PLA develops, and as we manage the river traffic around the major new Thames Tideway Tunnel project.”
Richard Everitt is retiring and has overseen the PLA through a series of unique challenges over the last nine years, including the unprecedented Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant which saw 1,000 vessels form the largest flotilla ever on the Thames. Six weeks later, the PLA was refocused on welcoming vessels to London for the 2012 Olympics.
“Richard has done a fantastic job at the PLA and will leave with our deep thanks. His understanding, expertise and his open and professional style have set the benchmark for the PLA’s stakeholder engagement in future,” added Dame Helen.
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Notes to editors:
• The PLA oversees navigational safety on 95 miles of the tidal Thames, from Teddington Lock to the North Sea. The river is home to the second biggest port in the UK, the busiest inland waterway for freight, passengers and a centre for sporting events.
• There are over 230,000 commercial and leisure vessel movements on the Thames every year. The commercial vessels provide trade links to over 80 countries around the world, from Chile to Mauritius, Honduras to Fiji.
Enquiries:
Alistair Gale
PLA Corporate Affairs
Mob: 07711 440 736
