David Huck appointed as Peel Ports Group Chief Executive Officer

Peel Ports Group has appointed its current Chief Operating Officer, David Huck, as the company's new Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

David will now lead the UK's second-largest port group, a critical national infrastructure business that generates £820 million in annual revenue and handles approximately 60 million tonnes of cargo each year through its network of ports, terminals and logistics operations.

With 16 years of experience across a range of senior leadership roles within the business, including almost a decade on the Executive team, David brings an exceptional depth of knowledge, operational expertise and strategic insight that will help accelerate Peel Ports Group's ambitions in the years ahead.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, David 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. He has played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, strengthening safety performance and delivering over £1.5 billion of investment and infrastructure.

As CEO, David's priorities will include continuing Peel Ports Group’s role as a safety-leading port operator, while accelerating cargo volume growth and supporting jobs, investment and long-term prosperity across the company's customer base and the wider supply chain.

He will also take leadership of the delivery of the Group's ambitious pipeline of infrastructure and technology investments, ensuring Peel Ports Group continues to play a critical role in enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of UK trade.

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.”

Earlier this month, former CEO Claudio Veritiero stood down from his position to devote more time to his family in the South East and to some important personal priorities.

David Huck, Group Chief Executive Officer, 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.

Peel Ports Group's success is driven by its people, and I am privileged to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the industry. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to leading the business through its next phase of growth and achievement.”

Prior to Peel Ports Group, David spent six years with Hutchison Ports UK, rising to Deputy Head of Container Terminal Operations and playing a key role in terminal expansion, business transformation and long-term customer partnerships.

Earlier in his career, he spent a decade in the vehicle manufacturing sector, progressing to Operations Director and delivering substantial growth, profitability and operational improvements.