A SEARCH is on for a new person to shape the future at the port of Ipswich after the retirement of the man at the helm of Associated British Port Holdings was announced today.

A SEARCH is on for a new person to shape the future at the port of Ipswich after the retirement of the man at the helm of Associated British Port Holdings was announced today.

Bo Lerenius, chief executive of the group, will be retiring on March 31, 2007, and the process to identify a new chief executive is now under way.

It is expected Mr Lerenius, 59, who became the chief executive in May 1999, will become a non-executive director following his retirement.

Chris Clark, chairman of ABPH, said: “Bo has made a huge contribution to the success of ABPH and is leaving the company in a very strong position.

“He has been an outstanding chief executive.

“Looking to the future we remain very excited about the prospects for ABPH.

“Our aim continues to be to maximise the group's operational and financial efficiency and provide an excellent service to ABPH's customers.”

Mr Lerenius said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my seven years at ABPH.

“I feel it is time for me to retire, but I can leave feeling confident that a first-rate management team is in place to focus on delivering future growth.”