The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has chosen Chris Lytle to succeed Dick Steinke as the port’s executive director. The board confirmed Nov. 7 that it would vote to approve Lytle during its next business meeting, currently scheduled for Nov. 14.
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 extensive public and private experience make him the ideal choice.
“On the private side, he’s operated shipping terminals around the world and fully understands the unique issues facing public ports in California,” she said. “And while he understands the industry, he’s also very open to new ideas and innovations.”
Steinke, who announced his retirement in April, joined the port in 1990 and had been executive director since 1997.