JOHN WALLACE RETIRES FROM BOARD AFTER TWO DECADES OF LEADERSHIP

John steps down after more than 20 years of service to the Port and the wider North-East maritime community, having played a central role in maintaining Peterhead as one of Europe’s most important fishing and energy ports.

John’s association with the Port began as Chief Executive of Peterhead Bay Authority, a position held with distinction prior to the landmark 2006 merger of the former Peterhead Harbour Trustees and Peterhead Bay Authority to form what is now known as Peterhead Port Authority – a transformational moment for the Port and its future ambitions.

Following the merger, John was appointed the first Chief Executive of Peterhead Port Authority, a role he fulfilled for a decade. Under his leadership, the Port strengthened its governance, modernised its operations and laid the foundations for significant growth across the fishing, oil and gas, renewables and decommissioning sectors.

After standing down as Chief Executive, John continued to serve on the PPA Board, providing continuity, deep institutional knowledge and wise counsel during a period of unprecedented change and investment across the Port estate.

Commenting on John’s retirement, Gavin Thain, outgoing Convenor of Peterhead Port Authority, said: “John Wallace’s contribution to Peterhead cannot be overstated.

"From steering the complex merger process in 2006, to leading the new authority as Chief Executive for 10 years and then continuing to serve as a Board member, John has been instrumental in shaping the modern Port we see today.

“His leadership, integrity and commitment to the town, its fishing industry and its evolving energy future have left a lasting legacy. On behalf of the Board, management and staff, we thank John for his outstanding service.”

But there will be a further chapter. John has accepted an invitation from the Board to continue his association with the Port in the role of Port Ambassador, representing PPA at a local and national level.

PPA has also confirmed that Georgina Wright has joined the Board replacing John Wallace and commencing her first three-year term as a Board member.

Georgina brings more than 30 years’ senior-level experience in the UK and Norwegian seafood sectors, having held executive leadership roles with Mowi Scotland and Marine Harvest.

A graduate of the University of Aberdeen and holder of advanced Institute of Directors’ qualifications, she is currently a Non-Executive Director of Seafish, the public body for the UK seafood industry. Her expertise in strategy, governance and stakeholder engagement further strengthens the Board’s commercial capability.

Further governance changes at the Port have also been announced with Gavin Thain stepping down as Convenor of the Board following the completion of three consecutive terms totalling nine years in the role. Gavin has been succeeded as Convenor by the previous Deputy Convenor James Buchan. Gavin will however remain as a Board Member for a further year before retiring from the Board.

John’s retirement from the Board, alongside these leadership changes, mark the continued evolution of the Port’s governance as PPA looks ahead to the next phase of its development.