Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) appointed global maritime expert Beth Ann Branch President & Chief Executive Officer of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), effective Dec. 1, 2024. Branch is a globally recognized commercial strategist with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. She replaces Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel Jr., who served as Port NOLA’s Acting President & CEO / Acting CEO of NOPB and moved key strategic initiatives, like the $1.8 billion-dollar Louisiana International Terminal, forward during this transitional period.

"After a comprehensive national search, it became clear that Beth Ann Branch is the visionary leader needed to help move Port NOLA and Louisiana forward," said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. "Her deep understanding of the commercial landscape and her track record of fostering rapid economic growth will ensure that our State remains a critical player in the global supply chain. With Beth at the helm, we’re poised to strengthen our State’s role as the premier trade and commerce gateway to the Nation.”

Branch joins Port NOLA from the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile, where she has served as Chief Commercial Officer since 2021. Prior to that role, she led business development and international marketing for the Port of Oakland's maritime division. Throughout her tenure at both locations, Branch spearheaded strategic initiatives that resulted in record container volumes, significantly boosting throughput and operational success.

"Beth Ann Branch is exactly the kind of leader we need to guide our next phase of growth," said Mike Thomas, Chairman of Port NOLA and NOPB. "Her extensive experience, strategic mindset and proven ability make her uniquely qualified to take on this critical role. As we continue to advance transformative projects, Beth's leadership will be essential in positioning the Port as a leading force in international trade and a key driver of economic prosperity for our region."

The national search was conducted by the executive search firm Korn Ferry. Branch was selected from a competitive pool of candidates for her extensive maritime experience and proven leadership in driving economic growth. Former Port NOLA and NOPB Chairman Joseph Toomy was essential in overseeing the search process:

"Beth brings an extraordinary depth of maritime expertise and international trade experience to the Port of New Orleans," said Toomy. "Her forward-thinking vision will be instrumental in advancing key strategic initiatives that are critical to our long-term success. Under Beth's leadership, we are confident that the Port will reach new heights and drive sustainable growth for both the region and the international trade community."

Additionally, Branch worked in various leadership positions at Maersk for 18 years in the company’s U.S. regional headquarters outside New York and global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“I am truly honored to join the Port NOLA and NOPB teams,” said incoming Port NOLA President & CEO and NOPB CEO, Beth Ann Branch. “Port NOLA plays an essential role in driving economic growth for our region and state, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation in global commerce. Together, we will pave the way for more opportunities, creating jobs and driving the economy. I’m eager to work with leaders at all levels as we continue to invest in infrastructure and secure long-term prosperity for Louisiana.”

In addition to her experience in the maritime industry, Branch has 10 years of experience in program development and administration in the nonprofit sector, including location oversight of a U.S. Agency for International Development grant in Eastern Europe. Beth received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina.