Leadership

Having started his career at the Port of Rotterdam, Frans brings considerable experience in the development of container terminals throughout Europe and in the USA.

Since becoming CEO, Frans has been instrumental in the successful strategic transformation of Teesport’s container platform and has also led the company to become one of the UK’s largest and most progressive port groups.

Frans’ services to international trade and the UK economy were recognised with an OBE in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday honours, as well as earning the title of the Tees Valley’s most inspirational business leader.

Having been employed at board level for over 30 years, Jerry has been a key tactical and strategic decision maker throughout his career. He has successfully driven us through a number of milestones, such as the portcentric transformation of container operations on the Humber and in the Tees Valley, and establishing an extensive footprint in the offshore energy sector.

Jerry has also been involved in the positive negotiation and closeout of a number of major international investment contracts including the world’s largest biomass power station, MGT. More recently, he spearheaded a collaborative consultation process to support the Tees Valley Combined Authority achieve Freeport status.

Beginning her career at PwC, she spent 11 years in professional services working across a variety of industries. Liz then joined Royal Mail PLC, where she held several senior positions both in and outside of finance, most latterly as the Chief Financial Officer for Royal Mail UK.

Liz is passionate about gender equality in the corporate setting and is committed to promoting this further in the maritime sector, acting as Executive Sponsor for PD Port's Women's Network Group. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, she also holds a degree in Accountancy from Sheffield Hallam University.

His work centres on driving transformational change through innovation across our IT infrastructure. Paul joined Formica Group in 2001 and spent 10 years in various financial roles in the UK, Europe and further afield. He then moved into Business Development, where he was assigned to grow their position in the Asian market. In 2012, Paul was appointed global CIO of Formica & Laminex, a €1bn revenue division of Fletcher Building. After leading two ERP programmes and a number of cloud applications, he was appointed COO of Formica EMEA, where he navigated the turnaround of the European business, with major programmes and key manufacturing investments.

Paul holds a Masters from Durham University and is also a trustee for the Percy Hedley Foundation, a local charity that provides education and support for children & adults with special needs.

Her role covers a broad range of key functions including HR; health, safety and environment; business continuity; and security. With a strong leadership background covering over 20 years in the oil and gas industry in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, as well as shipbuilding, manufacturing and engineering, Michelle has a proven track record of delivering people strategies that achieve clear business results. Prior to PD Ports, she was Global Chief People Officer at Indicia Worldwide.

As we continue towards our vision for the future, Michelle will play a key role in driving the business forward, making sure we’re a safe and rewarding place to work, while keeping us on course to reach net zero across our operations by 2040.

A chartered surveyor with 35 years experience, Michael has extensive experience in property development, valuation, acquisition, disposal, management, rent reviews, and lease renewals. Prior to PD Ports, he was Head of Property at the urban regeneration company, Sunderland arc, overseeing the master planning, assembling, and marketing of nationally significant development sites as part of a £1.3 billion programme to regenerate Sunderland city centre and the River Wear Corridor. Before this, Michael held senior positions in local government, being a Chief Estates Officer and a member of the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors.

Michael is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Compulsory Purchase Association, while also sitting on the regional council of the North East England Chamber of Commerce.