Mario Cordero to retire as CEO of port of Long Beach

Image: Mario Cordero

Following more than eight years as the port of Long Beach CEO, Mario Cordero will retire at the end of the year, he announced yesterday. 

His retirement will cap an impressive career in container shipping, including seven years on the Federal Maritime Commission, four as chairman, and eight years as a member of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. 

The board said it would determine a process for replacing Mr Cordero over the next few months. 

He was appointed to the Board of Harbor Commissioners in 2003 by then-Long Beach mayor Beverly O’Neill, and reappointed in 2009 by then-mayor Bob Foster, serving as both president and vice president of the board during his tenure.  

Mr Cordero also practised law for more than 30 years and taught political science part-time for several years at Long Beach City College.

He said: “I could not be more grateful for what has been the opportunity of a lifetime to lead the port of Long Beach over these years. While I’ll miss being in the centre of the action for international trade, I know that I’m leaving the port in the very capable hands of our board and the exemplary staff.”

Mr Cordero was this year named on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA500 list of the city’s most influential civic leaders for the seventh consecutive year,

Port of Long Beach said Mr Cordero was known for “bold and industry-leading stances” and his promotion of environmental sustainability, while Long Beach mayor Rex Richardson commented:  “Mario has always stepped up to serve, whether as chair of the FMC, as a leader on the Board of Harbor Commissioners, or as chief executive of our port.  

“He has guided one of the world’s busiest seaports through unprecedented times with vision and steady leadership, always keeping people and community at the center. Mario is a true Long Beach public servant, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.” 

Harbor commission president Frank Colonna highlighted Mr Cordero’s “reassuring manner” during and after the global pandemic, and added: “He will be missed at the port, but I’m very happy for him to soon begin enjoying his well-deserved retirement.”