ABP Appoints Rob Morton as Lead Property Asset Manager to Drive Investment Expansion

Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) (L) and Rob Morton, Lead Property Asset Manager (R)

(IN BRIEF) Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s primary port operator, is expanding its investment portfolio by appointing Rob Morton as the Lead Property Asset Manager in its Humber-based property team. Rob will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, managing relationships with customers, and overseeing asset management and property development projects. ABP, which operates four ports in the Humber area, has ambitious plans for strategic land acquisitions. This move follows a realignment of ABP’s property strategy and aims to drive future property development and revenue growth.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 26-Sep-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The UK’s leading and best-connected port owner and operator, Associated British Ports (ABP), is set to reinforce its investment portfolio with the introduction of a pivotal property asset management role within the organization.

ABP is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Morton as the Lead Property Asset Manager, joining the dynamic property team based in the Humber region. In his new role, Rob will spearhead efforts to identify fresh business opportunities by cultivating relationships with both new and existing ABP clients. Additionally, he will assume responsibility for asset management and property development projects.

As an operator of four major ports in the Humber area, ABP boasts an extensive land bank and is actively seeking strategic land acquisitions to further enhance its capabilities.

Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber said:

“We welcome Rob to ABP and see this role as central to the success of the future development pipeline and revenue growth for the business.

“There are many opportunities to enhance our current portfolio including reviews of underutilised parcels of land within our ports.”

Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) added:

“We are delighted to welcome Rob to the team. He has a proven record of accomplishment in asset management and will play a key role in our expansion and growth of our investment portfolio. We are constantly looking at our strategy, delivering exceptional results, and supporting the continued expansion of our customers. The introduction of this role will further strengthen our team on the Humber.”

Rob brings to ABP seven years of experience from his tenure at Commercial Estates Group, where he played a pivotal role in managing a diverse portfolio of seven office and industrial assets across the North West and Yorkshire. Reflecting on his appointment, Rob expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am thrilled to join ABP at this exciting juncture as we embark on our new property strategy. I look forward to contributing to the asset management of HIEP (Humber International Enterprise Park) and attracting new customers to what is undeniably one of the most significant logistics development opportunities in the broader Yorkshire market.”

Based at ABP’s offices in Hull and Immingham, Rob’s newly created position will significantly bolster the company’s property capabilities and expand its portfolio of new business opportunities.

The ABP Property team is actively seeking to broaden its reach and engage with new clients. ABP stands as one of the UK’s foremost property and landowners. At the Port of Grimsby, within the historically rich Kasbah area, ABP owns a substantial number of historic buildings, currently undergoing renovation and serving as the catalyst for exciting new development plans in the region. It was recently announced that the former Ice Factory, previously sold by ABP in 2021, is set to undergo a transformation into a state-of-the-art conference center, complete with the addition of a new on-site hotel.

This newly established role marks a pivotal development following a strategic realignment of ABP’s property strategy. It stands as a central pillar in the organization’s pursuit of success in future property development initiatives and revenue growth.

Media contacts:

Tim Morris
Head of Corporate Communications
tim.morris@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7850 501 903

Pressiana Naydenova
Corporate Communications Manager
pressiana.naydenova@abports.co.uk
07702900830

SOURCE: Associated British Ports