Limassol aspires to become regional port of choice, says new CEO

Port management company DP World Limassol on Thursday released a statement announcing that Simon Pitout has been appointed as the company’s new chief executive officer, effective from June 1, 2023.

The company noted that Pitout takes over from Nawaf Abdulla, who will take a different role within the DP World Group.

According to the announcement, Pitout’s career spans over 20 years in the logistics, shipping, and terminal industry.

He joined DP World in 2008, initially as commercial director for DP World’s Middle East and Africa Regions, before being appointed as vice president of the commercial department in 2012, and becoming vice president of the logistics and supply chain department in 2020.

Previously, he held roles at Maersk Line South Africa and APM Terminals and across several markets including South Africa, Denmark, and Holland, focusing on intermodal operations, business development and commercial leadership.

The company stated that Pitout’s appointment “is expected to give a new impetus to DP World Limassol’s operations, as throughout his career, he has accrued extensive experience in customer solutions, identifying new opportunities and maximising shareholder value”.

“I am proud to take the reins of DP World Limassol and I very much look forward to starting working with the team here in Cyprus,” Pitout said.

“I am confident that together, we will continue to work towards securing the long-term future of the port, by continuously boosting the Terminal’s efficiency and productivity, creating multiple benefits for our customers,” he added.

In addition, Pitout thanked the previous CEO Nawaf Abdulla “for the smooth handover and his valuable contribution to the business”.

“Furthermore, we will continue to sharpen DP World Limassol’s role as an important partner of the state and a key stakeholder of the maritime sector and the Cyprus economy,” Pitout said.

“I am certain that we can bring the Limassol Port closer to its goals, and particularly its aspiration to become the port of choice in the Eastern Mediterranean, attracting even more users and global cruise lines”, he concluded.