Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Seroka Confirmed in Post

The Los Angeles City Council apprises that it has unanimously confirmed veteran shipping industry leader Gene Seroka as the new Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.

Earlier in June, the Harbor Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve Seroka for the executive director’s position. Mayor Garcetti’s May 27 announcement that he had chosen Seroka for the job concluded a global search to fill the Port’s top management post.

As the Port’s Executive Director, Seroka will be responsible for managing a US$938.8-million budget, advancing major capital projects, growing trade volumes and promoting innovation and sustainable practices that strengthen the region’s economy. The duties involve interacting with a wide range of stakeholders, including Port customers around the globe, industry partners, elected and appointed officials at all levels, and harbor area residents and business leaders.
 
“Mr. Seroka’s impeccable credentials and extensive knowledge of the maritime and goods movement industries make him the perfect fit to run our Port,” said Ambassador Vilma Martinez, President of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission. “He has worked closely with every link in the global supply chain, with much of his career focused on Asia and the Americas, and that experience, coupled with his strategic vision and collaborative leadership style, will take our Port to new heights.”
 
The Port's announcement adds that Seroka brings more than 25 years of experience in shipping, global logistics and executive management to the Port. Most recently, he was Head of Commercial in the Americas Region for American President Lines (APL) Limited. After several key overseas positions for APL, he returned to the U.S. in 2010 to become President – Americas for APL Limited in Phoenix where he managed sales for APL’s Liner Shipping, managed 1,000 employees and was responsible for all commercial, port terminal, intermodal and labor activities throughout the region.