David Robinson, chief executive officer of PD Ports has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to international trade and the UK economy.
Mr Robinson was appointed chief executive officer of PD Ports in 2006 after joining the Company in 2002 as managing director of Teesport, one of the UK’s top three ports.
In the last 12 years, David has steered the Company through some tough challenges including a difficult recession, which was compounded by the temporary loss of steel making on Teesside. Under his direction, PD Ports has continued to invest in both its people and infrastructure, including a £16.7m expansion of the ‘Teesport Container Terminal’ in 2011 and dedicated bespoke apprenticeship programmes. In 2014 PD Ports committed a further £30M to various projects to enhance and expand the Company’s operating platform.
“I am absolutely thrilled to receive such an honour. The UK ports sector has a critical role to play in international trade and in attracting inward investment to grow a stronger and more sustainable economy. The North of England is significant in this role and here on Teesside we have a number of world class businesses and highly skilled people doing a tremendous job. We need to continue building on this good work both regionally and nationally to provide a solid platform for a sustainable and progressive future.”
Mr Robinson was appointed HRH the Prince of Wales’ Ambassador for Business in the Community in 2012 for his contribution to raising aspirations of young people on Teesside and increasing employment opportunities within the maritime sector. In the same year the High Tide Foundation was established and continues to grow its activities for 2015 and beyond, supporting the young people of Teesside.
