Mr Dale – who is currently asset and site director for the Port of Tilbury – joined Forth Ports in 1989 as a 19-year-old marine operative.

In addition to his existing responsibilities at the Port of Tilbury, Mr Dale will drive operational excellence across the group, lead the transformation of its infrastructure and technology and oversee its marine, engineering and safety functions. He will focus on people development and building high performing teams.

Derek Knox, director of operations Scotland, will now report directly to Mr Dale, as will Alan McPherson, group chief harbour master. Mr Dale will remain a member of the company’s executive management board.

After seven successful years with Forth Ports, Ms Cran, chief commercial and financial officer and main board director, has decided to step down from her role to explore opportunities outside of the company.

Ms Cran joined Forth Ports as chief financial officer in 2017 and will leave in November following the completion of the company’s annual business planning process. The company has initiated the recruitment process for her successor. In the intervening period the group’s finance and IT functions will be overseen by Matt McCreath, director of finance, and commercial activity will be led by Forth Ports’ strong commercial and legal teams.

Stuart Wallace, chief executive of Forth Ports, 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.”