- Jay New is an industry veteran with a 20-year career in the ports and shipping
- He will oversee the day-to-day operations of King Abdullah Port
Saudi’s Ports Development Company (PDC) has appointed Jay New as the new chief executive officer of the King Abdullah Port.
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast in King Abdullah Economic City, it is the Middle East’s first privately owned, developed and operated port.
An industry veteran with a 20-year career in the ports, shipping, and logistics environment, New brings a proven record of accomplishment and extensive professional experience to the role, said a statement from PDC.
He most recently served as the CEO and General Manager of IPS/Hutchison Ports Dammam, a multi-purpose deep-water facility situated at the King Abdulaziz Port Dammam.
New had previously served as a Board Member of the Saudi Development & Export Service Company, and served as the Director of Gulftainer in the UAE. He also held senior positions with leading maritime across leading companies, including Maersk and Safmarine, stated the owner and developer of the port.
Welcoming New, the PDC board of directors said the new CEO would play a key role in accelerating King Abdullah Port’s growth and strengthening its role as the leading regional logistics hub, and enhancing its contributions to the national economy, in line with the Vision 2030 objectives.
As the CEO, New will oversee the day-to-day operations of King Abdullah Port, in addition to leading the long-term growth and development of the port and logistics services in line with its strategic objectives.
His appointment reflects King Abdullah Port’s present and future strategies and aspirations, as it enters an exciting phase of growth amid the challenges of the current global economic situation and the rapid changes in the industry, stated the port developer.
On his role, New said: “I look forward to working closely with such an experienced team, as well as with the various government authorities, and our local, regional, and international partners to further enhance King Abdullah Port’s services and efficiency and creating solutions for cargo owners in the region; ultimately strengthening the Kingdom’s trade and logistics capabilities in line with Vision 2030.”
New has an honors degree from the University of Leeds and is a graduate of the London Business School. He was trained in shipping and ports by the internal specialists at Maersk Line and Hutchison Ports, it added.