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The port of Long Beach has begun to hunt for a new chief executive after Jon Slangerup announced his resignation last week.

Mr Slangerup will depart the post he has held since June 2014 on 28 October to become chairman and chief executive of a “leading aviation technology company”.

His tenure was during one of the most turbulent periods in the port’s history: the terrible congestion challenge that affected the San Pedro Bay port complex and the national goods movement network in 2015.

“He worked with all stakeholders – local, regional and federal – to restore operations in less than half the time expected. Months later, in July 2015, the port set the strongest cargo record in more than a century of operations and the strongest performance since the great recession,” a statement from Long Beach’s board said.

Board of Harbour Commissioners president Lori Ann Guzmán said: “Jon has brought tremendous leadership, creativity and executive experience to the port. His innovative vision and ability to lead in times of change and growth have made a marked difference in the history of our beloved port. I and my fellow commissioners wish Jon continued success in his new role.”

In addition to dealing with the port congestion crisis, Mr Slangerup also oversaw ongoing progress on Long Beach’s $4bn, 10-year capital improvement plan, including the replacement of the Gerald Desmond Bridge, the development of the innovative Middle Harbour terminal and the handling of the port’s first ultra-large container vessel, the 18,000 teu CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin.

Mr Slangerup added: “I wish to thank the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the opportunity I’ve had to lead the port of Long Beach and our exceptional team of managers and professionals. The experience of helping guide the port through our industry’s swiftly changing and often uncharted waters has been both an exciting challenge and a great honour.

“I am exceedingly proud of the work we’ve accomplished together over the past two years in driving forward our vision for the green port of the future.”

Before taking the role at Long Beach, Mr Slangerup was president of FedEx Canada.

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