Sean Pierce has officially resigned from his position as chief executive officier (CEO) at Istanbul-based terminal operator Yilport Holdings, effective May 4, 2016. Additionally Yilport Holding has appointed Christian Blauert as the company’s new CEO, effective June 1, 2016.

Mr Pierce, who joined Yilport in 2011, leaves to join Mercator International, a Washington-based marketing consultancy specialising in logistics and infrastructure.

According to sources, commenting on his resignation Mr Pierce said:

“It was an incredible and fulfilling experience working in Istanbul for Yilport Holding, but it is time to start a new chapter within a dynamic and fast changing port industry. The development of Yilport’s strong management teams, centralised global shared services and proven growth model will continue to propel the organisation towards achieving its goals.”

Christian Blauert has a background of more than 20 years in the port industry.  Christian Blauert’s experience includes practical knowledge and leadership within the areas of automated and conventional terminal design. Additionally he has experience related to operational efficiency and improvements as well as management of bigger business portfolios. 

Robert Yuksel Yildirim, Chairman of Yilport Holding commented:

“The company’s strategy and overall leadership has always been and remains with me. Both Yilport and Yildirim Group of Companies have a deep and seasoned management team. We designated a strategy of solid growth and expansion at Yilport until 2025. Yilport’s strategy has been established by me, and our port investments strategy committee. Therefore, my dream remains strong, and our journey to be one of the top 10 international terminal operators continue. I strongly believe that our new CEO, Christian Blauert will be the person to support and assist us in achieving our goals. I personally know Mr. Blauert since 2011, when he was the Vice President of Terminals at CMA CGM. Mr. Blauert cooperated with Yilport since then and joined in projects and tenders. Mr. Blauert joined with us in December 2015 as a consultant to set Yilport’s global logistics center up. In May 2016, he was promoted as our new COO to work together with former CEO Sean Pierce. Effective June 1, 2016, he is appointed to become our new CEO. Thus, Yilport has started to look for a new COO and a Senior Terminal Execution Director besides a CIO. Christian Blauert is ready to take over from former CEO Sean Pierce in a smooth, fast and efficient manner. His technical, operational and leadership skills are a perfect fit for Yilport to reach our goal of operational excellence within the existing portfolios throughout Turkey, Iberia, Scandinavia and South America, coupled with our push towards being a top ten port operator by 2025.”