Richard Ballantyne has today taken up his new role as the Director of the British Ports Association following the retirement of David Whitehead.
David had been with the BPA for 24 years overseeing huge change in the industry during this time. Under his leadership the BPA has grown to represent 100 UK port authority members in the municipal, trust and private sectors.
David Whitehead, outgoing Director, said: “it has been a huge privilege to lead the BPA and work with so many professional colleagues who keep the ports open and running efficiently. I very pleased to handing over to Richard to continue the vital work of the Association.”
Richard Ballantyne joined the association in 2007 and was previously the BPA’s Senior Policy Adviser leading on a number of policy areas, membership services and external communications.
Rodney Lunn, Chairman of the BPA, welcomed the appointment and said: “We are delighted that Richard is the BPA’s new Director leading the Association. Richard has a great understanding of all the key policy issues facing the UK ports sector and he also has an excellent rapport with the BPA’s membership.”
On his appointment Richard Ballantyne said: “I am excited to take up the new and important role and I would like to thank the BPA’s members for the faith they have shown in me. I look forward to the new challenge and also continuing the excellent work of my colleague David Whitehead, who I wish a long and happy retirement.”
Before joining the BPA Richard spent five years at a Westminster political consultancy and also previously worked for an MP in the House of Commons.
