Forth Ports, the UK’s third largest ports group, has appointed a new Group HR Manager and Group Financial Controller at an important time for the business which continues to invest significantly in its infrastructure, people and skills across its UK operations.

Michelle Primrose has joined as Group HR Manager and Matt McCreath has been appointed as Group Financial Controller. Both Michelle and Matt joined the Group in April.

Michelle is a highly experienced HR professional with previous roles with leading businesses including BAE Systems, Balfour Beatty, AECOM and Sainsbury’s. Michelle is a chartered MCIPD with experience in the delivery of successful people-focused HR strategies and also of supporting a large workforce during a period of change and growth. Michelle joins the senior management team, reporting to the Group Chief Executive, Charles Hammond. and will be based in the Port of Grangemouth with responsibility for HR across the Group’s eight ports.

Matt is a qualified chartered accountant and has worked in senior management roles for a variety of well-respected global businesses, most recently John Menzies plc and previously Macdonald Hotels and KMPG. Matt joins the senior management team, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, Carole Cran, and will be based in the Group’s HQ at the Port of Leith.

Commenting on the appointments, Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive, said: “We warmly welcome Michelle and Matt to our management team. This is an exciting time for the business as we continue our multimillion-pound investment programme across the Group to deliver for our customers and their future needs as well as investing in our highly skilled workforce. We pride ourselves in our excellent training and skills development programmes that we deliver through our bespoke onsite training academies in Grangemouth and Tilbury.

 “Both Michelle’s and Matt’s experience will contribute significantly to the delivery of our strategic plans.”