After 25 years, and shortly after celebrating the expansion of Fairview Container Terminal, the Port of Prince Rupert’s president and CEO has decided to retire.
“I am proud of the tremendous accomplishments and growth that have taken place at the port and community of Prince Rupert over the last decade,” Krusel said in the press release that announced his departure.
“With the completion of the recent expansion project to make Fairview Container Terminal the second largest terminal in Canada, and the Port well positioned for another decade of exceptional growth, it is an appropriate moment to announce my retirement from the Port and pass the leadership to a new generation.”
He first joined the port in 1987 as the chief financial officer and then in 1992 he served as the CEO and president — helping to sell the vision of developing a container terminal on the remote North Coast.
The port authority’s board chair Bud Smith attributed the port’s current success to Krusel’s vision of Prince Rupert’s global potential.
“Don saw the need for an innovative gateway model that could benefit trade between Canada and Asia, and he led the way in sharing his vision about how Prince Rupert could accomplish that,” Smith said. “We are truly grateful for his leadership, and I know the board, employees and the community join me in wishing Don every success in his future.”
Smith said the port authority’s partners, stakeholders and customers will be well served in the transition to a new CEO. “Don leaves the port authority in excellent hands with the leadership team and the organization he has built over the last quarter century.”
Throughout his tenure he oversaw Fairview’s conversion from forest and agri-products to a container terminal, as well as the development Northland Cruise Terminal, Ridley Island Road Rail Utility Corridor, Ridley Island project cargo facility and the Westview Pellet Export Terminal.
In the interim, chief financial officer Joe Rektor will take over the role until the port finds Krusel’s replacement.