Port appoints chief executive

Roger Gray has been unveiled as the new chief executive officer of Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL).  

“I am delighted he will be taking on this critical role leading POAL as we play our part in the Auckland and New Zealand supply chain,” says board chair Jan Dawson.

“Roger and the board are committed to delivering a safe and productive workplace, and serving our customers and stakeholders well.

“He has been Lyttelton Port Company’s CEO since 2020. Prior to that, he has worked at a senior level in large, complex businesses with a focus on the supply chain and logistics. 

“Roger brings a great deal of experience to the role, and I am looking forward to working with him to realise the potential of the business and its people.”

Gray, pictured, says: “I’m very excited to be joining the Ports of Auckland whānau in the new year. It is a business with huge potential, and I’m looking forward to being part of the team that plays such an essential role for Auckland and New Zealand.”

Dawson adds: “I would like to acknowledge Wayne Thompson for his work as interim CEO. He has provided calm and compassionate leadership at a challenging time for the business and has made significant progress toward a safer, happier workplace.”

Gray, who starts his new job on April 4, became CEO at Lyttelton Port Company in February 2020.

Before that, he worked for Air New Zealand for six-and-a-half years with this last position there was group general manager for airports. 

In that role, he managed all ground handling and lounge operations at 55 locations around the globe with 2,800 employees handling 18 million passengers annually.

Gray has also held senior leadership roles with Goodman Fielder, including managing director of Quality Bakers NZ. He holds a masters of business in integrated logistics management, and bachelor degrees in economics and arts.