Falmouth Harbour has appointed a new commissioner to join its board.
A proud Cornishman with extensive knowledge of the commercial shipping industry, Gerald Pitts enjoyed a successful 46-year career with A&P including stints as MD of A&P Falmouth and MD of A&P Defence.
He said: “In my role as a Falmouth Harbour Commissioner I feel I will be able to combine my extensive knowledge and experience of the commercial shipping world with a lifelong connection with Cornwall in general and Falmouth in particular – providing valuable input and support to the harbour stakeholders and the wider marine community.”
The rare opening as commissioner comes as Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) prepares to bid farewell to Gary Tranter after nine years’ service on the board, which manages the trust port, with statutory responsibility for the navigation and conservation of approximately 16 square miles of harbour area.
Falmouth Harbour recently celebrated its 150th year of managing the third deepest natural harbour in the world – strategically placed on the UK’s western approaches.
Pitts will bring his experience of to influence strategy within the FHC remit which covers Falmouth Harbour, Falmouth Haven and Falmouth Pilot Services.
Falmouth Harbour Commissioners chair, Carrie Gilmore, added: “Managing a trust port is a demanding privilege which requires dedication and commitment – and which allows us to make a very real difference.
“As a small but dynamic board we operate transparently and accountably – and knowing that we will miss Gary’s wisdom and insight, we also feel truly fortunate to have a candidate of Gerald’s calibre to join us – with exactly the broad mix of skills and extensive senior level experience in the commercial maritime industries that we hoped to find.”
