Image: left: Robert Dooley, Right: Flavio Batista
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has unveiled significant leadership changes, set to take effect on July 1, 2024, marking a strategic transition in its top ranks. Flavio Batista will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer, while Rob Dooley steps into the position of Chief Financial Officer. These appointments are part of GPA’s meticulous succession planning strategy initiated in 2023, preparing for the upcoming retirement of Michaela Thompson, the current CFO, and transitioning Cliff Pyron, the current Chief Commercial Officer, into an advisory role.
Griff Lynch, President and CEO of GPA, expressed gratitude for the substantial contributions of both outgoing executives, emphasizing their pivotal roles in shaping GPA’s operational excellence and customer-centric approach. He highlighted their profound impact on commercial strategy and financial stewardship, crucial in propelling GPA to new heights in the competitive port industry.
Cliff Pyron, with over four decades of expertise in liner container shipping and port logistics, has been instrumental in fostering record growth at GPA since assuming leadership in 2008. His tenure witnessed a remarkable 73% increase in trade throughput, bolstered by strategic alliances that enhanced GPA’s role as a critical link in global supply chains.
Flavio Batista brings a wealth of international experience from his tenure at Wallenius Wilhelmsen Group, where he spearheaded commercial operations across the Americas and Europe. His deep understanding of logistics and customer dynamics positions him well to further elevate GPA’s global standing and strengthen partnerships with major stakeholders, including ocean carriers and supply chain partners.
In the finance domain, Michaela Thompson leaves behind a legacy of financial prudence and strategic oversight, earning GPA a AAA financial rating. Rob Dooley, joining GPA in 2023, brings a robust background from prominent corporations, equipped to steer GPA’s financial strategy amid ambitious growth plans and infrastructure investments totaling $4.5 billion over the next decade.
Reflecting on his appointment, Rob Dooley underscored GPA’s commitment to operational excellence and customer service, aligning financial strategies with long-term growth objectives. His arrival marks a seamless transition facilitated by Thompson’s meticulous succession planning and sets the stage for continued financial stewardship under his leadership.
Georgia Ports Authority remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, supporting over half a million jobs annually and playing a pivotal role in economic growth through substantial contributions to state and local taxes. With steadfast leadership and strategic foresight, GPA is poised to expand its cargo handling capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier gateway port in the United States.
