James Cooper CEO of Associated British Ports is taking over as Deputy Chairman.
Simon Bird says “I am delighted to be taking over as Chairman of the UK Major Ports Group following the excellent leadership Charles Hammond has given us over the past four years. This is a critical time for the UK’s ports. Despite the success of the sector and the massive contribution it makes to jobs, the economy and taxation, the sector is currently under siege from the threat of Brussels red tape. I look forward to working with the Government to ensure the voice of the UK’s largest commercial ports is heard at home and abroad and that we can continue to succeed in this dynamic, competitive sector.”
Simon Bird has been Chief Executive of The Bristol Port Company since 2000. Privatised in 1991, The Bristol Port Company is Britain’s most centrally located deep sea port, handling a diverse range of cargo from dry and liquid bulks to motor vehicles and containers. Prior to joining Bristol Port, Bird was the Commercial Director on the main board of Mersey Docks & Harbour Company plc. In his earlier career, he held senior roles at director level in BAE Systems and United Unities plc, both in the UK and overseas. Prior to joining industry, he served a short service in the Royal Navy, leaving in 1982. He is Vice Chairman of UK Maritime and the Ports Advisor to UKTI and holds an honorary Commission in the Royal Navy.