Forth Ports has announced two senior management changes.

Paul Dale has been appointed as the new chief operating officer.

Mr Dale, who is currently the asset and site director for the Port of Tilbury, will now have an expanded role across the group.

He will be responsible for driving operational excellence, leading infrastructure and technology transformation, and overseeing the marine, engineering, and safety functions.

He will also focus on people development and team building.

Paul Dale (Image: Spreng Thomson) Mr Dale started his career with Forth Ports in 1989 as a 19-year-old marine operative.

He will remain a member of the company’s executive management board.

Stuart Wallace, chief executive of Forth Ports, said: "Paul Dale is a very experienced ports professional and has already been instrumental in our growth and success at Tilbury.

"I am confident that, as we enter this next phase in Forth Ports’ development, he will prove to be an even stronger member of the group’s executive team, helping us to demonstrate strength of character and deliver excellence across the business."

In another significant change, Carole Cran, the chief commercial and financial officer, has decided to step down from her role after seven successful years with the company.

Ms Cran joined Forth Ports as chief financial officer in 2017 and will leave in November after the completion of the company’s annual business planning process.

Carole Cran (Image: Spreng Thomson) The company has started the recruitment process for her successor.

In the interim period, the group’s finance and IT functions will be overseen by Matt McCreath, director of finance, and commercial activity will be led by Forth Ports’ commercial and legal teams.

Mr Wallace said: "I want to express my deep gratitude to Carole for her exceptional contributions during her time at Forth Ports and wish her every success as she embarks on the next chapter in her very successful career.

"Her leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in our success during her time here.

"She has encouraged us all to think differently and contributed significantly to the culture of the organisation.

"Carole will be greatly missed by everyone here."

The changes come as Forth Ports, the UK’s third largest ports group, continues to focus on achieving its ambitious goals.