Peel Ports Group welcomes Gavin Laybourne as technology chief

Peel Ports Group has appointed Gavin Laybourne as its first Chief Technology and Information Officer, expanding its executive team to focus on the ongoing digital transformation of its port operations.

Laybourne will be responsible for all technology and information functions within Peel Ports Group, the UK's second-largest port operator. These responsibilities cover information technology, cyber security, data analytics, green technology initiatives, and the ongoing automation and digital transformation across the group's port operations.

He brings more than 25 years of technology leadership experience to the role. Most recently, Laybourne served as Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Maersk APM Terminals, where he contributed to the management and technological development of one of the world's largest terminal operators.

Earlier in his career, Laybourne held the position of Chief Information Officer at Marks and Spencer. This followed a series of roles at Shell Retail and Shell Downstream, including as Global Technology Director, where he gained significant exposure to business infrastructure in both digital and operational contexts.

In his new capacity at Peel Ports, Laybourne is tasked with leading the group's digital transformation and shaping long-term technology strategies. He will join the executive management team and will have a direct influence on future investments and operational direction.

Leadership priorities

Gavin's appointment marks another significant step in our innovation and technology strategies and he will play a critical role in the Group's ambitious growth plans.

Chief Executive Officer at Peel Ports Group, Claudio Veritiero, highlighted the importance of Laybourne's appointment as part of the company's broader technology objectives. Veritiero added:

"His leadership will be central to future-proofing our business, ensuring that every investment we make today strengthens our role in tomorrow's global supply chain and within the UK's economy. With over GBP £1.5 billion invested in the past decade, and a further GBP £1 billion planned over the next five years, we continue to build a port ecosystem that is not only more agile, through the use of technology and automation, but one that is also sustainable for generations to come. Gavin brings a wealth of industry and technical expertise, but also a vision on how technology can unlock further growth across every part of our operations and I am delighted to welcome him as a key member of our Executive team"

Industry perspective

Speaking on his new role, Laybourne acknowledged the scale of change and opportunity facing the UK's port sector and signalled his priorities for driving technical progress within the group.

"I am honoured to join Peel Ports Group at such an exciting time for the ports industry. Ports are not only gateways of trade but also hubs of innovation, and my priority will be to ensure our investments further strengthen supply chain efficiency and sustainability. What drew me to Peel Ports Group is the enormous opportunity - and challenge - that's ahead of us in the digital transformation of the Group's port operations. There's a huge role for technology to play in adding real value to the business's growth objectives. My guiding principles are simple: people first, safety always, and then technology, applied in ways that make a meaningful difference to the business and the communities we serve. My focus will be on driving innovation through initiatives such as automating terminal processes, integrating AI and IoT for smarter cargo management, and strengthening cybersecurity. By embracing these technologies, we can not only improve efficiency and service for our customers but also support the broader transition to greener and more sustainable trade."

Laybourne's remit will include overseeing current and future digital projects, emphasising cybersecurity resilience, data-driven decision-making, and the adoption of automation across the group's network of UK ports. The group's digitally led approach is set to underpin its planned capital investment programme of GBP £1 billion over the next five years, which aims to enhance operational reliability, customer service, and overall sustainability.

Through this appointment, Peel Ports Group is positioning technology leadership at the heart of its strategy to support both growth objectives and the evolving requirements of UK and global supply chains.