Paul Foreman will become chief executive of UK ports and logistics group PD Ports on 1 September, succeeding Frans Calje, who is stepping down after almost ten years in the role and more than 18 years with the company. Foreman, currently chief operating officer, was appointed following what the company described as a competitive recruitment process.
The leadership transition comes as PD Ports continues to invest in its operations and infrastructure while pursuing growth across its ports and logistics businesses. The company said the appointment reflects plans to optimise customer services, expand operations and respond to changing industrial requirements and technological developments.
Leadership transition follows decade of change
Calje said the timing of his departure reflected a commitment he made when becoming chief executive almost a decade ago. “I always said, right from the moment I originally became CEO, that a ten-year timeframe would be in the best interests of the business, before a fresh perspective and new direction would be required to take us on to our next chapter of success. The time is therefore right for a change of leadership to drive growth and the continued evolution of PD Ports. I am so proud to be leaving a business that is now safer, stronger and looking ahead to a sustainable and financially stable future, thanks to the work we’ve done together in this last ten years.”
Foreman paid tribute to his predecessor and highlighted the progress made across the business during Calje’s tenure. He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to take over from Frans, who has achieved so much in his time here, including the transformation of our container and bulks business, improving safety standards and significantly strengthening our balance sheet. I am also extremely grateful for his support as I take on this role. I am excited to lead this business, which as operator of the largest port in the North East, is so key to the prosperity of Teesside, driving economic growth and providing employment and opportunities for so many hard-working people.”
Strategic ownership supports long-term investment
PD Ports operates Teesport, the largest port in north-east England, and contributes around £1.4bn annually to the Teesside economy. The company supports approximately 22,000 jobs across its wider supply chain and directly employs more than 1,400 people at 11 UK locations. As Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, it is responsible for maintaining safe navigation while supporting regional trade and industrial activity.
The company is majority owned by Brookfield Asset Management, which acquired PD Ports in 2009 and remains the controlling shareholder with a 51% stake. In 2025, Pontegadea, the investment company of Zara founder Amancio Ortega, acquired a 49% interest as a long-term strategic investor. The transaction, which valued PD Ports at close to £2bn, left the existing management structure unchanged while reinforcing backing for future infrastructure investment and business growth.
Continuing investment and board changes
As previously reported by WorldCargo News, PD Ports has continued to invest in its operational capability. Most recently, the company strengthened bulk handling operations at Teesport through the delivery of a third electric-hydraulic Liebherr LPS 550 mobile harbour crane. The £5.4m investment increased crane capacity on the quayside and formed part of a wider programme of infrastructure improvements.
The ownership groups welcomed Foreman’s appointment. Becky Lumlock, Brookfield Operating Partner, said: “On behalf of Brookfield and Pontegadea, I’d like to thank Frans for his impactful and integrity-driven leadership of PD Ports, which has delivered significant growth over the last ten years. We are delighted to appoint Paul into the CEO role. His innovative and strategic mindset has been central to the long-term planning for the business for some time, and we are confident he will steer the business to new levels of success.”
Chairman moves to non-executive role
The management changes will also see Executive Chairman Jerry Hopkinson become Non-Executive Chairman from 1 September. While stepping back from day-to-day executive responsibilities, he will continue as Operating Partner for Brookfield and chair the PD Ports board, providing strategic oversight and focusing on governance, accountability and long-term direction.
Hopkinson said: “Having been part of PD Ports for many years, I have a unique perspective on its history and culture, the importance of the position it holds in the region and its considerable future potential. Above all, PD Ports is a strong company that is rightly respected as a key driver of progress and prosperity in the north of the UK. I am confident that, under Paul’s leadership, the strength of our infrastructure and the talent and commitment of our people will continue to drive the business onward – embracing the opportunities ahead and building on a proud legacy as the guardians of the River Tees.”