Associated British Ports has appointed a new leader for its operations on the Humber.

Andrew Dawes will become regional director for the Humber to succeed Simon Bird at the end of October. He will be part of ABP’s executive team.

Mr Dawes began work at the Southampton Container Terminal and his 30-year career in the maritime industry has included spells at DP World, APM Terminals and ICTSI. As well leading businesses, he has experience in safety, operations and commercial activities.

Mr Dawes said: “This is an incredible time to be joining ABP as the next five-year business strategy is launched. I am delighted to be joining the Humber Region which has some really exciting projects and growth opportunities.

“The Humber plays a key role in delivering ABP’s twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading as well as Enabling the Energy Transition here in the UK. I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with my Humber colleagues, customers and wider stakeholders and to bringing my family to live in this fantastic region.”

Mr Dawes will join ABP on October 1 and will have a handover period with outgoing regional director Simon Bird. ABP operates four ports on the Humber estuary – Immingham, Grimsby, Hull and Goole – with the area handling tens of billions of pounds of trade and supporting more than 90,000 jobs in the broader Yorkshire and Humber region.