Aberdeen Harbour Board Appoints External Relations Director

Aberdeen Harbour Board has appointed its first External Relations Director to its Executive Team as the port looks to continue its growth and infrastructure development plans.

Chris Bain, whose primary role will be to enhance the ongoing engagement process for Aberdeen Harbour as it pursues a number of major projects, brings with her nearly 20 years experience in the transport and energy sectors.

Aberdeen Harbour Board chief executive, Colin Parker said: "Chris's appointment comes at a time when we are going through a lengthy engagement and consultation process regarding the future of Aberdeen Harbour and she will play a vital role in this process, ensuring all stakeholders are fully engaged."

With proven expertise in building business-to-business customer relations in the oil and gas industry, Ms Bain's previous roles include senior logistics management roles, based both in the UK and the Middle East.

Ms Bain added: "It is an immense privilege to be joining Aberdeen Harbour Board at such an exciting time and I look forward to engaging with a wide variety of people within the North East of Scotland.

"Aberdeen Harbour plays a vital role as one of the main drivers of economic activity and ensuring it continues to adapt and remain technologically relevant will be crucial to sustaining current levels of activity".

Educated at Stirling University, Ms Bain holds an Honours Degree in Pure Sociological Theory and Social Research.

Ms Bain's appointment comes shortly after a string of strong announcements for the Harbour, with the port announcing recently that it had enjoyed its best ever-annual results; with record levels of vessel and cargo tonnage during 2012. In addition, the Scottish Government has identified the expansion of Aberdeen Harbour as a nationally significant development, through its inclusion in the Main Issues Report of the National Planning Framework 3. With levels of activity bringing the port closer to capacity the Board continues its current feasibility study into its options for growth, with Nigg Bay identified as its preferred location for a potential new deep-water facility.

Aberdeen Harbour Board will discuss 2012 activity and its future plans at its Annual Public Meeting meeting at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Pitfodels, at 18:00 on May 20.