Fulvio Fracassi assumes helm of Port of Halifax in September

By Maritime Magazine
2024-08-22

Veteran marine executive Fulvio Fracassi has been appointed the new President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority (HPA), effective September 26, 2024, succeeding Captain Allan Gray who plans to return to Australia after assuming the helm of the Nova Scotia port since 2019.

The announcement earlier this month follows an extensive international search under the oversight of the HPA’s Board of Directors with the support of Odgers Berndtson, a global executive search firm with expertise in the ports and transportation sectors, the HPA indicated in a press release.

“Fulvio is an experienced CEO and marine executive with deep management, operations and transformation accomplishments in his more than 30 year career,” said David Cameron, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Halifax Port Authority. “We are excited to have him join the Port to lead its next pivotal phase as Canada’s Ultra Atlantic gateway of regional, national and international importance.”

“In the Board’s view, Fulvio’s visionary leadership and demonstrated track record, complemented by his strategic focus and experience as a CEO and in senior executive roles including with the Laurentian Pilotage Authority, Transport Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada, made him the ideal appointment as the new President and CEO for the Port of Halifax,” Mr. Cameron said. “He has been instrumental in leading diverse teams to achieve success, always with an overarching commitment to safety.”

“It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to join the Halifax Port Authority,” Mr. Fracassi said. “I look forward to leading the skilled team at the Port, and working together with Port partners, stakeholders and community to advance Halifax as a strategic, national trade and transportation hub. Halifax connects communities across North America with more than 150 countries around the world and is a centre for Port innovation. I am excited to get started and to contribute to the Port’s success moving forward.”

Ahead of Mr. Fracassi’s formal appointment date, he will be joining the Port starting September 16 and will attend the September 17-19 Ports Canada Conference at Port Alberni and the Port of Halifax’s Supply Chain Forum on September 24-25 as part of the leadership transition.

As Captain Allan Gray wraps up his tenure as President and CEO, Mr. Cameron thanked him for his leadership of the Halifax Port Authority since his arrival in 2019. “Captain Gray guided the Port through the challenges of the pandemic, developed a long-term plan for the Port’s robust future and integrated sustainability into daily port operations. He is a champion of innovation and collaboration. We thank him for his commitment to the Port and wish him well in the next stage of his career with his return to Australia.” Mr. Gray will act as an advisor to Mr. Fracassi until the end of his contract in November 2024.