Port of New Orleans names new CEO with deep (water) experience

The Port of New Orleans has named Beth Branch, former Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Mobile, as new Chief Executive Officer. Concurrently, Beth will also assume leadership of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.

Branch is a seasoned maritime executive with an extensive port, ocean carrier, and rail background. Particularly, Branch has experience building and operating container terminals, speaking directly to the Port’s top priority of constructing the $1.8B Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) in St. Bernard Parish. Her resume includes:

• Chief Commercial Officer for the Port of Mobile since 2021
• Head of Business Development & International Marketing at the Port of Oakland, California
• Over 18 years of experience with A.P. Moller Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping and logistics companies, in New York, Copenhagen, and Norfolk
• Degrees from Duke (BA) and University of North Carolina (MBA)

The Port of New Orleans is an economic lynchpin for the State of Louisiana; a 2019 economic impact report showed that one in five jobs in Louisiana are port-related, contributing about $600 million in wages annually. "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.”

Mike Thomas, Chairman of the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners, added, “We are excited to welcome Beth to New Orleans and the Port. We are looking forward to her leadership in bringing us closer to building the Louisiana International Terminal.”

Branch officially starts December 1, and says, “As I prepare to step into the role of President & CEO of the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad next month, I am filled with excitement about the pivotal moment we face in our region and state. The economic opportunities ahead are significant, and I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team, industry, and community partners. Together, we will strengthen our position as the chief gateway in the Gulf, driving innovation that will benefit Louisiana’s economy for years to come.”