PD Ports, the operator of Teesport and the largest port and logistics firm in the North East, has announced a leadership change. Current chief executive Frans Calje will step down on September 1, with chief operating officer Paul Foreman taking over the top role. Calje, who has led the company for a decade and spent more than 18 years with PD Ports, said the time was right for a fresh perspective to drive the next phase of growth.
Leadership transition at a crucial time
The handover comes as PD Ports pursues ambitious expansion plans, investing in new technology and infrastructure to meet evolving industry demands. The company contributes £1.4 billion annually to the Teesside economy, supports 22,000 jobs across its supply chain, and directly employs over 1,400 people at 11 UK locations. Calje noted that from the start of his tenure, he intended to serve for ten years before passing the baton.
Calje's legacy of transformation
Frans Calje began his career at the Port of Rotterdam and joined PD Ports in 2008. As CEO, he oversaw a strategic overhaul of Teesport's container operations, improved safety standards, and strengthened the company's balance sheet. He also guided the acquisition of a 49% stake by Pontegadea and championed the Teesport Offshore Gateway, a proposed deep-water wind manufacturing facility. His contributions to trade and the economy earned him an OBE. "I am so proud to be leaving a business that is now safer, stronger and looking ahead to a sustainable and financially stable future," Calje said.
Foreman's vision for the future
Paul Foreman, who joined PD Ports in 2020 as chief technology officer and became COO in 2023, will assume the CEO role after a formal recruitment process. His focus has been on driving innovation and digital transformation. Before PD Ports, Foreman spent most of his career at Formica Group, holding financial roles across multiple continents. He also serves as a trustee for the Percy Hedley Foundation, a North East charity supporting people with special needs. "I'm delighted and honoured to take over from Frans," Foreman said. "He has achieved so much, including transforming our container and bulks business, improving safety and strengthening our balance sheet."
Industry and stakeholder support
Brookfield operating partner Becky Lumlock praised Calje's leadership and expressed confidence in Foreman. "On behalf of Brookfield and Pontegadea, I'd like to thank Frans for his impactful and integrity-driven leadership, which has delivered significant growth over the last ten years," she said. "We are delighted to appoint Paul into the CEO role – his innovative and strategic mindset has been central to the long-term planning for the business."
