Peel Ports appoints Strategic Commercial Director to bolster global container operations

Peel Ports Group has strengthened its global container operations with the appointment of a new Strategic Commercial Director.

Marcus Connolly joins the port operator with more than 25 years’ experience in international container shipping and logistics, having held roles at A.P. Moller – Maersk and NYSHEX.

Based at the Port of Liverpool, Marcus will be responsible for developing transformational growth opportunities through group-wide strategic partnerships as well as further developing strong relationships with major shipping lines.

Marcus will play a vital role in leveraging Peel Ports’ position as an integral part of UK and Ireland supply chains, helping to develop more sustainable and reliable supply chain solutions. The close proximity of the Port of Liverpool to the North of England hinterland, to Scotland and the Midlands as well as direct Irish Sea connectivity to both Ireland and Scotland, offers unrivalled opportunities to reduce supply chain cost and emissions, increase landside asset utilisation and profitability, and reduce landside congestion.

Marcus brings with him a comprehensive background in international container shipping and expertise in building and leading successful teams across product, sales, and customer experience.

Prior to joining Peel Ports, Marcus served as Carrier Experience Director, Europe, at NYSHEX, where he introduced two-way committed ocean contracts and SaaS solutions to container shipping.

Before NYSHEX, Marcus spent more than 25 years at A.P. Moller – Maersk, including 8 years as Head of Trade & Marketing and Customer Experience functions in the UK & Ireland as well as 6 years as Head of Sales UAE, Oman, Qatar and Iran, based in Dubai.

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “Marcus’ experience in the global container shipping and logistics industry is second to none, while his knowledge and results-driven approach will play a vital role as we look to strengthen our operations internationally.

“In the year ahead, our main aim is to further support cargo owners, strengthen our relationships with global shipping lines and importers, and continue to grow our presence as the UK’s second largest port operator. Marcus will play a crucial role in achieving this.”

Marcus’ arrival further demonstrates Peel Ports’ commitment to working closer with shipping lines and cargo owners, after the recent appointment of former B&M retail head of supply chain, Jerome Wildsmith, as BCO Sales Manager, late last year.

David Huck said: “More effective sea transport and shipping routes will offer endless opportunities for vast improvements for cargo owners, including a reduction of cost, carbon and congestion, with clear benefits.

“Currently, 90 percent of deep-sea containerised cargo comes into southern UK ports, yet 60 percent of these are destined for the North. Quite simply, this makes very little sense.

“Marcus will use his new position to help importers better leverage the Port of Liverpool’s close proximity to major distribution centres in the North, improving operational efficiencies across the supply chain.”