By Mark Edward Nero
On May 27, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti nominated Gene Seroka,
an executive with APL shipping line, as the next Executive Director of the Port
of Los Angeles.
The port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners will consider the nomination
of Seroka during its June 5 meeting. The nomination is also subject to confirmation
by the Los Angeles City Council.
“I’m confident that Gene will be a strong leader who will enhance
our international trade agenda, increase reliability and efficiency through effective
management and labor relations, and ensure our port is a sustainable and positive
neighbor to the Harbor community,” Garcetti said.
Seroka is currently Head of Commercial in the Americas Region
for APL, which is a subsidiary of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), and
the world’s seventh largest ocean carrier. He has led more than 1,000 employees
and all of APL’s Sales and Operations activities in North, Central, and South America
and managed sales for the company’s liner shipping as well as overseeing its four
US marine terminals and intermodal operations throughout the geography.
“I’m thrilled that Mayor Garcetti has tapped me to lead the Port
of Los Angeles,” Seroka said in a statement released by the port. “I look forward
to focusing our operations to provide world-class customer service while continuing
to invest in a healthy and vibrant harbor community.”
Before becoming Head of Commercial for APL, he was Vice President,
Middle East and East Africa, based in Dubai, for NOL group from April 2008 to April
2010. From October 2005 to April 2008, Seroka was Vice President of APL Logistics
Ltd. in Singapore.
“Gene Seroka is uniquely qualified to lead the Port of Los Angeles,”
Harbor Commission President Vilma Martinez said. “His maritime and global commerce
expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision are exactly what we need.”
The nonprofit, independent trade group the Pacific Merchant
Shipping Association applauded the selection of Seroka.
“Gene has extensive experience within the maritime industry and
is greatly respected by all segment of the international trade community,” PMSA
President John McLaurin said. “The May of Los Angeles and the Harbor Commission
are to be congratulated for conducting a transparent, thorough and methodical search
and hiring such a talented individual.”
Seroka replaces interim Executive Director Gary Lee Moore, who
has served in the role since October 2013. He replaced Geraldine Knatz, who retired
after a 36-year career in the maritime industry, including the last six as the Port
of LA’s executive director.
Garcetti said Moore will now go back to his position as City
Engineer of the City of Los Angeles, where he is responsible for the city’s public
infrastructure network.
