Peel Ports appoints Jamie Strain to lead Scottish operations

Peel Ports Group has appointed the head of one of Amazon’s biggest UK depots as its new Port Director in Scotland.

Jamie Strain will lead the port operator’s Peel Ports Clydeport business, overseeing its key Scottish sites, including the Hunterston PARC site in Ayrshire, KGV Dock in Glasgow, and the Port of Greenock, including nearby Inchgreen Marine Park.

Jamie was Site Lead General Manager at one of Britain’s largest Amazon distribution centres in Dunfermline, a depot the size of 17 football pitches with four miles of conveyor belts, which had more than 3000 staff.

He replaces Port Director Jim McSporran, who is retiring from the role later this month.

Jamie said: “I’m proud to be joining Peel Ports and to have the opportunity to lead the Peel Ports Clydeport business at such an exciting time.

“From my first conversations with the business, I was really impressed by its people and culture, as well as attracted by the opportunity to help develop and grow the business.

"Having spent much of my career leading large teams and complex operations, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience here, while supporting our people to develop their skills and become the best leaders they can be.”

Jamie began his career at Tesco, spending 13 years with the retailer before joining Amazon as an Operations Manager.

He progressed through a series of senior operational roles before becoming Site Lead General Manager at the Dunfermline operation, where he spent six-and-a-half years.

During his time at Amazon, Jamie led a site which grew significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when demand for online retail increased rapidly. In his new role, Jamie will now lead teams right across the Peel Ports Clydeport estate.

It comes as the UK’s second largest port group continues with ongoing redevelopment of its Hunterston PARC site, which is expected to attract £3.5bn in inward investment and create over 5,000 jobs.

The port group has also welcomed two £25m ship-to-shore cranes at its Port of Greenock within the last two years to future proof that facility, as well as invested £3m last year to increase the capacity of its King George V Dock in Glasgow to handle huge wind turbine components.

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, added: “It’s great to welcome Jamie into the role of our new Port Director in Scotland - he was the standout candidate for the position.

“His experience and expertise make him a perfect fit for this role as we prepare to further grow the business here in Scotland. As well as he operational experience, he has a hugely important perspective to share as a cargo owner at two of the country’s biggest and best-known retailers.