There was a further reshuffle of the leadership team at Forth Ports today, including the departure of another long-standing executive, as the marine group prepares to enter the “next phase” of its development.

Carole Cran will step down from as chief commercial and financial officer and as a main board director to “explore opportunities outside of the company”, it was announced today, bringing her seven-year stint with Forth to a close. It comes after former chief executive Charles Hammond stepped down in the summer after more than 20 years in post, having formally announced his decision to move on in December. He has been succeeded by Stuart Wallace, who was formerly Forth’s chief operating officer.

Ms Cran, who joined the company from Aggreko as chief financial officer in 2017, will leave in November following the completion of the group’s annual business planning process. The search for her successor is now under way.

Ms Cran’s departure was announced as Forth Ports said it has appointed Paul Dale as chief operating officer, expanding his role across the group, which owns and operates eight commercial ports in the UK. These include six on the Firth of Forth - Leith, Grangemouth, Rosyth, Methil, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy – as well as Dundee on the Firth of Tay and Tilbury on the Thames.

Mr Dale originally joined Forth Ports at the age of 19 as a marine operative in 1989, and is currently asset and site director for the Port of Tilbury.

Forth said that, in addition to his existing responsibilities at Tilbury, Mr Dale will be tasked with driving operational excellence across the group, leading the transformation of its infrastructure and technology, and overseeing its marine, engineering, and safety functions.

Mr Wallace 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.

“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.”