“David is a highly respected figure in the business with extensive operational, commercial and strategic leadership experience” – Mark Whitworth, executive chairman
Clydeport owner Peel Ports Group has appointed David Huck as its new chief executive.
Huck will now lead the UK’s second-largest port operator, which generates some £820 million in annual revenue and handles more than 60 million tonnes of cargo each year through its network of ports, terminals and logistics operations. Huck had been the group’s chief operating officer.
With 16 years of experience across a range of senior leadership roles within the business, including almost a decade on the executive team, the new CEO is said to bring “an exceptional depth of knowledge, operational expertise and strategic insight” that will help accelerate Peel the group’s ambitions in the years ahead.
Prior to his appointment as chief executive, he served as chief operating officer of Peel Ports Group and chairman of the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Port Security Authority.
In that role, he led the group’s ports and marine operations across the UK and Ireland, overseeing six ports and statutory harbour authorities, 24 terminals and a workforce of more than 2,000 employees and third-party logistics personnel.
Peel Ports recently said it was building a new warehouse at Glasgow’s historic King George V Dock as part of a multi-million-pound investment drive.
The new facility, extending to some 100,000 square feet, comes as the group looks to add a million square feet of extra capacity across its port estate, driven by surging demand from the defence, chemicals, fertiliser and bulk sectors.
Earlier this month, former CEO Claudio Veritiero stood down from his position to devote more time to his family in the south east of England.
Mark Whitworth, executive chairman of Peel Ports Group, said: “David is a highly respected figure in the business with extensive operational, commercial and strategic leadership experience. He has been integral to the company’s success for 16 years, championing projects to transform our ports into the most efficient and automated network of terminals in the UK.
“As a member of our executive team since 2017, he has helped to create the business plan he will now be responsible for delivering, and there is no one more qualified to lead Peel Ports Group on the next stage of its growth journey.
“In his new role, David will oversee all Peel Ports Group’s day-to-day operations, lead our executive leadership team and spearhead the next phase of our strategic vision,” he added.
Huck said: “I am proud to succeed Claudio, who has led Peel Ports Group through a period of significant growth, investment and transformation during his five-year tenure. As chief operating officer, I have worked closely alongside him to deliver strong financial and operational performance in a challenging market.
“We will now build on that momentum, pursuing our ambitious growth plans and continuing our journey towards becoming the UK's leading port operator. Our focus will remain on delivering exceptional service for customers, investing in our infrastructure and people, and creating long-term value for the communities and supply chains we support.”