AAPA Selects Christopher Connor as its New CEO

Former ocean carrier executive is association’s unanimous choice.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the unified and recognized voice of seaports in the Americas, announced today that it has unanimously chosen Christopher J. Connor as the association’s next president and chief executive officer.

Mr. Connor, the former Global CEO of Wallenius Wilhemsen Logistics (WWL) will begin transitioning into his new role on September 23, eventually succeeding Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO since 1995.

Mr. Nagle who announced last October his intention to retire in the fall of 2019, will step down from his post on Oct. 16, the final day of AAPA’s 2019 Annual Convention and Expo in Norfolk, VA.

"The association’s Executive Committee is pleased to have found an outstanding individual to assume leadership of this hemisphere-wide association representing seaports," said William Friedman, AAPA chairman of the board and CEO of the Port of Cleveland. "Chris Connor has a track record of transformational leadership in the ocean shipping industry. This, combined with his deep industry knowledge and institutional tenure, makes him uniquely qualified to lead AAPA successfully into the future."

Mr. Connor’s selection caps a search process facilitated by Tim McNamara of Odgers Berndtson, a global executive search firm that specializes in placing leaders in some of the largest and most prestigious organizations throughout the world.

“It’s an honor to have been selected as the next CEO of the AAPA,” said Mr. Connor. “I’ve spent over 35 years working in the ocean shipping industry and through that lens I’ve developed a deep appreciation and respect for the vitally integral role that ports play in global commerce. I’m thrilled to take the helm at AAPA and represent its more than 130 member ports in Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States.”
He added: “What excites me most about AAPA is the enormous economic impact of the port industry in the Western Hemisphere, and the opportunity to harness that economic vitality in the best interest of all the association’s members.”

Kurt Nagle stated, “I look forward to working with Chris, Chairman Friedman, the AAPA leadership, and our dedicated headquarters staff toward a seamless transition to ensure that AAPA continues to serve the ports of the Western Hemisphere and advance the industry’s interests and priorities.”  

Mr. Connor joined WWL in 1994 and held several key Commercial and Operational positions prior to being named Chief Executive Officer in 2013. Prior to joining WWL, Mr. Connor worked for Crowley Maritime Corporation for seven years, and United States Lines for six years. During his more than 35 years in Ocean Shipping and Logistics, Mr. Connor has worked and lived in Asia, Europe, as well as the USA.

Mr. Friedman thanked the AAPA executive committee, board of directors and staff for continuing to carry out the priorities of the association during this search process and helping to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. "Kurt Nagle and his team have done a remarkable job during this period of staying focused and moving forward," said Mr. Friedman. "The AAPA team can take justifiable pride in its accomplishments and have confidence that we will continue building this organization into an influential powerhouse going forward."