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Dover Harbour Board announces new Chief Executive

3 September 2018

Dover Harbour Board, owner and operator of the Port of Dover, is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Bannister as Chief Executive.

Doug has an extensive record of successful leadership in the maritime, aviation and ports sectors. As the Port of Dover manages the challenges of Brexit, the Western Docks Revival and developing and implementing a Masterplan for the future, the Board has secured a very high calibre candidate to lead the Executive team and the organisation at this time. Doug will join the Board and take up his position at the latest on 1st March 2019.

Richard Everitt, Chairman, said: “After an extensive search I am very happy to welcome Doug and his family to East Kent. He joins at a challenging time for the Port and its key customers. His skills, experience and personality will strengthen the Executive team and I am confident his appointment will be welcomed by all the Port’s stakeholders.”

Doug Bannister said: “I am very pleased to be given this opportunity to advance the success of the Port of Dover in what will be a challenging chapter in its rich history.  I am looking forward to working with the team, our customers and stakeholders to deliver this ambition.”

Notes to Editors

About the Port

The Port of Dover is Europe’s busiest international roll-on roll-off ferry port.  It handles up to £122 billion (or 17%) of the UK’s trade in goods in 2.6 million freight vehicles.  Together with 2.3 million tourist vehicles and around 11.5 million passengers, the Port supports the rapid movement of people and goods with the UK’s largest and nearest trading partner – the EU.

The Port is undertaking its biggest ever single investment, the c.£250m Dover Western Docks Revival, which will deliver:

  • Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
  • Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic;
  • A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle; and
  • Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

About Doug Bannister

Doug is an American with dual British and American citizenship.  He is currently Group Chief Executive Officer of Jersey Airport and Jersey Harbours, having previously been Managing Director of Maersk Line UK, the largest container shipping company in the world.  His international business experience includes transportation organisations in North America, Europe, Asia, India and New Zealand.