Search for New CEO and President of Prince Rupert Port Authority to shift gears in New Year

The Port of Prince Rupert's search for a new President and CEO will
pick up the pace in the New Year
(photo from PRPA website)

It's been over three months since residents of the North Coast heard word from the Port of Prince Rupert that Don Krusel, the long time President and CEO of the Port and the architect of the rebirth of Fairview Terminal into a major container shipping facility was retiring from his position.

Don Krusel left the Port of Prince Rupert
in September, the process of seeking a
new CEO and President will move forward
in the New Year
(Photo from PRPA)

The seismic shock of the departure announcement of September 11th caught an entire community by surprise, coming as it did following the Grand Opening of the second phase of the Fairview Container terminal which has changed the nature of the region's industrial base.

Mr. Krusel took his leave of the port and the city with little in the way of advance notice, a departure that was surprisingly without a personal farewell speech for the community from the popular long time Prince Rupert resident.

Since the announcement of September 11th, the Port's Chief Financial Officer Joe Rektor has been at the helm of operations on what has been described as a temporary basis.  That while the Board of Directors works out how they wish to approach their transition plan to new leadership.

The Port hasn't had a lot to be share about their executive search since that time, though the process does continue to move forward as was indicated to the North Coast Review in a statement provided by Port officials.

Last week, Bud Smith the Chair of the Prince Rupert Port Authority outlined how that search for a new CEO and President will pick up steam in the New Year, with an eye towards having a successful candidate in place by the Spring.

PRPA Chair Bud Smith has outlined
how the Board will approach its
search for a new CEO and President
for the Port of Prince Rupert
(Photo from PRPA)

“PRPA’s Board of Directors has initiated a search process for a new President and CEO. Currently, the Board is defining the criteria that will guide our selection process before the public recruitment period is opened. Our goal is to have the President and CEO in place in spring of 2018.”

Considering the growing reputation of the Port and it's ambitions for the future, the call for potential candidates could attract some significant interest from executives in Canada's transportation and shipping industries.

Last week, the Port released their annual review of the economic impact that the Port provides to the entire Northern British Columbia region, that foundation for success was put in place by Don Krusel and the building blocks are already in place for a larger expansion on the Prince Rupert shoreline to add additional elements for Port Development.

Choosing the right candidate to deliver on those ambitions will no doubt be the primary focus for Mr. Smith and the remainder of the Board of Directors, as they look to chart the course of the Port into the next phase of its development.

An era of development and potential economic growth for the region that many on the North Coast will be waiting with much interest to see arrive.

For more items related to the Prince Rupert Port Authority see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review