THE Port of Milford Haven has announced that Alec Don, Chief Executive of the business since 2010, is stepping down from the role.

The Port said Mr Don had 'set a vision for the business', securing planning consents for the development of Milford Waterfront and establishing Pembroke Dock Marine as a core component of the Swansea Bay City Deal.

The business has been shepherded through some challenging times, the Port added, with the closure of Murco, but it has a strong balance sheet and is "now more than ready to proceed with a phase of substantial investment and growth."

Andy Jones has been appointed interim chief executive.  

Chris Martin, Chairman of the Port, said: “Alec is a person of the highest integrity and is one of the Port’s and the region’s greatest advocates.

"We have in front of us a fantastic opportunity to develop the Port’s position in some exciting new markets and this change gives us the opportunity to refresh and develop our skill sets to take the organisation forward into the next phase of its development. For his part Alec has himself expressed the wish to seek new and fresh challenges. I personally have greatly enjoyed working with him and we all wish him well for the future.”

Mr Don said: “It has been nothing but a privilege and honour to work for the Port of Milford Haven and I most genuinely wish the Board and all colleagues at the Port every success going forward.

"For my part I feel more than ready for a new challenge and look forward to the future with relish.”

Mr Jones, who had been deputy chief executive since 2014, said: “Despite this management change, it is very much business as usual here at the Port. 

"I look forward to building on the strong foundations Alec has made for the future of our business”.