As expected, the Port of Long Beach has officially confirmed Chris Lytle as its new executive director. The port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners voted 4-0 on Nov. 14 to appoint Lytle to the position.
He replaces Dick Steinke, who announced his retirement in April after having been executive director since 1997.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to move things forward,” Lytle said after being confirmed. “I think we have the opportunity now to take a little bit different look, a fresh look at a couple things. Not that we’re going to do anything drastically different than what Dick has established.”
Lytle, who’s held the position of deputy executive director since 2008, joined the port as a managing director in 2006. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Puget Sound and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Washington University.
He’s a former vice president with the French shipping line CMA CGM and also previously held executive-level positions with P&O Ports North America, Sea-Land Service Inc. and APM Terminals.
Harbor Commission President Susan E. Anderson Wise said that Lytle was chosen after an extensive, nationwide search and that his experience in both the public and private sectors is what made him the ideal choice.
Steinke, who originally planned to retire in September, has agreed to stay on until the end of the year.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
