Port of Tauranga names successor for CEO

Port of Tauranga today named a successor for chief executive Jon Mayson, who is stepping down after nearly a decade in the role.

Mark Cairns is the current chief executive of Toll Owens Ltd -- the 50-50 joint venture between Port of Tauranga and Toll Logistics NZ that provides marshalling and stevedoring services at 11 New Zealand ports.

Mr Cairns will take the reins after the company's annual meeting in October, although Mr Mayson will remain at the port until the end of the year.

Port of Tauranga chairman John Parker said the company had conducted a vigorous international search for Mr Mayson's replacement.

"It is a tribute to the leadership of Jon Mayson that after a substantial search we have found his successor from within his wider management team.

"I am delighted that someone with such a long association with both the company and with Tauranga has come through this process and is ready to step into this role."

Shareholders appeared similarly impressed with the decision, pushing the stock up 5c to $4.65 this morning.

Mr Mayson is stepping aside after 33 years with the port, nine of those as chief executive.

- NZPA