Ports of Auckland announced that it has appointed Jens Madsen as Chief Executive-designate. This follows the announcement last November that present Chief Executive and Managing Director, Geoff Vazey, will retire on 31 August 2007. Mr Madsen joined Ports of Auckland as Chief Operating Officer in February 2006. He brings to the role an extensive and in-depth knowledge of the international shipping and logistics industry, gleaned from an impressive global shipping background, including 28 years with the world’s largest shipping group, A.P. Moller-Maersk. During this time Jens established and headed Maersk’s New Zealand arm from 1996 to 2000. He then went on to be a leading figure in the global refrigerated container trade. His expertise and experience provides the Company with strong leadership and a valuable insight into the wider shipping industry. “This is a significant appointment for both Ports of Auckland and New Zealand’s shipping and logistics industry. We are absolutely delighted to have someone of Jens Madsen’s calibre in this role,” said Ports of Auckland Chairman Gary Judd. Mr Geoff Vazey will remain Ports of Auckland Managing Director until his retirement later this year.