Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports is announcing the retirement of Chief Commercial Officer Greg Fennell. Fennell has led NC Ports’ business development since being appointed to the leadership position in January 2015. He will continue to serve as the CCO until January 2020.

“Greg has played an integral role in our success over the past five years. His knowledge and expertise of the industry has helped lead North Carolina Ports to record-breaking revenue years and container and general cargo volumes at both the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City,” said Paul J. Cozza, North Carolina Ports Executive Director.

Market growth under Fennell’s leadership includes the addition of several new container lines and a rapidly expanding perishables portfolio supporting the agriculture and grocery sectors in the southeastern United States. Fennell also played an instrumental role in the recently enhanced Queen City Express Service – a direct, daily intermodal service moving double-stacked containers between the Port of Wilmington and Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Greg has been a strong addition to our senior management team,” added Robert A. Wicker, Chairman, North Carolina Ports Board of Directors. “His leadership has helped propel NC Ports into the future. The Ports Authority and Board of Directors cannot thank him enough for his dedication and service over the years.”

New Chief Commercial Officer Announced

North Carolina Ports has named Hans Bean as Fennell’s replacement. Bean most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Business Development for NC Ports and joined the Ports Authority in November 2016 to help expand and grow its global customer base.

Hans Bean - Chief Commercial Officer, North Carolina Ports
Hans Bean - Chief Commercial Officer, North Carolina Ports

“We are excited to have Hans takeover as the Chief Commercial Officer,” said Cozza. “Hans is an industry veteran and has proven himself a valuable asset to our team. In this role, he will be able to continue moving us forward by growing business at NC Ports’ terminals and improving our position as an important global gateway.”

“I am excited to lead North Carolina Ports business development and build on the solid foundation Greg established,” Bean noted. “Our team is focused on growing key business segments and expanding our capabilities. North Carolina and the entire southeastern market are poised for significant growth and NC Ports is positioned to support that market today and well into the future.”

Bean brings over twenty years of experience in the maritime industry. Prior to his role at the Ports Authority, he served as Senior Director, Commercial – Sales and Marketing for APM Terminals, North America. He also spent more than 10 years abroad with Maersk Line with a focus on beneficial cargo owners.