Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup announced he is resigning in a statement released by the port this afternoon. His resignation is effective on October 28. He is leaving to take on a position as chairman and CEO of “a leading aviation technology company.”

 

Slangerup stated: “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 honor. 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. I leave my post content in the knowledge that the port’s greatest years lie ahead.”

 

During his tenure, which began in June of 2014, Slangerup led the port through a historic congestion crisis and worked in tandem with the Port of Los Angeles and industry stakeholders to identify ways to improve supply chain efficiencies. The port has broken several records for cargo growth under his leadership.

 

In the port’s news release, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzman lauded his “tremendous leadership, creativity and executive experience,” as well as his “innovative vision and ability to lead in times of change and growth.”

 

Shortly after the announcement, Mayor Robert Garcia released the following statement: “Jon Slangerup has been an outstanding leader for the Port of Long Beach, expanding capacity and improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and guiding the port through challenges to new records in volume and revenue. He has fostered an excellent working relationship between the Harbor Department and City Hall, as well as with the community, and played an instrumental role in bringing the new port headquarters to the new civic center complex. Jon will be missed, and I personally developed a great working relationship and a friendship. On behalf of the city, I wish him the best in his next endeavors, and we are very grateful for his contributions over the past two years.”

 

The board of harbor commissioners will oversee the search for Slangerup’s replacement.