ABP appoints Rachael Parr as group HR director

Associated British Ports (ABP) has appointed Rachael Parr (pictured) as the new group human resources (HR) director. 

Parr previously worked at Electricity North West as the people and corporate services director. 

She has also held human resources roles in the business and financial services sectors. 

Parr said: “I’m delighted to be joining Associated British Ports and heading up the people agenda that is so crucial for achieving the company’s twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition. 

“I’ve been hugely impressed by the ambition of ABP, which has been evident throughout the recruitment process. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

This appointment follows Alison Rumsey’s decision to retire from ABP in May. 

Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO of APB, said: “We’re excited to be bringing Rachael on board. Her experience leading the HR function in a significant infrastructure business, encompassing both operational and office-based staff, which plays an important role in the energy transition is entirely relevant to ABP. 

“Rachael will be building on the strong foundations set by Alison during her time at ABP. 

“I want to express my sincere thanks to Alison for her enormous contribution to ABP, both driving forward our colleague strategy as well as her impact on the wider business.”

Rumsey said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at ABP, in particular being out in our ports with colleagues who demonstrate great commitment in what they do in all weathers, day in and day out. 

“I am enormously proud of my HR team who continue to work hard to make ABP a great place to work and support all our colleagues to deliver for our customers. 

“It’s been a fantastic six years working with the people in ABP and all its partners, and a great way to finish my executive career in HR.”