New president and CEO of AAPA named

In the wake of an intense executive recruitment search, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), has opted to name a former ocean carrier leader to become its next president and CEO. 

Christopher J. Connor, the former Global CEO of Wallenius Wilhemsen Logistics (WWL) will begin transitioning into his new role on September 23, eventually succeeding Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO since 1995.

The transition comes when U.S. ports are coming under added pressure from new ocean carrier alliances and global trade uncertainty.

Nagle who announced last October his intention to retire in the fall of 2019, will step down from his post on Oct. 16, the final day of AAPA’s 2019 Annual Convention and Expo in Norfolk, VA.

“The association’s Executive Committee is pleased to have found an outstanding individual to assume leadership of this hemisphere-wide association representing seaports,“said William Friedman, AAPA chairman of the board and CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “Chris Connor has a track record of transformational leadership in the ocean shipping industry. This, combined with his deep industry knowledge and institutional tenure, makes him uniquely qualified to lead AAPA successfully into the future.”

Connor’s selection caps a search process facilitated by Tim McNamara of Odgers Berndtson, a global executive search firm that specializes in placing leaders in some of the largest and most prestigious organizations throughout the world.

 “I’ve spent over 35 years working in the ocean shipping industry and through that lens I’ve developed a deep appreciation and respect for the vitally integral role that ports play in global commerce,” said Connor. 

He added that he is eager to leverage the “economic impact and energy” of the port industry.

Connor joined WWL in 1994 and held several key Commercial and Operational positions prior to being named Chief Executive Officer in 2013. Prior to joining WWL, he worked for Crowley Maritime Corporation for seven years, and United States Lines for six years. During his more than 35 years in Ocean Shipping and Logistics, Connor has worked and lived in Asia, Europe, as well as the U.S.