Forth Ports Limited, the UK’s third largest ports group, has appointed Stuart MacGregor as Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the Group’s main board.

Stuart brings a wealth of expertise to the role, with a career spanning over 30 years in the international drinks and UK house building sectors, in financial leadership, strategic business transformation, commercial and operational excellence. Most recently, as Chief Executive Officer at Stewart Milne Group, he led the business through significant strategic initiatives, driving both growth and operational performance.

Prior to that, he held senior financial leadership roles at both Stewart Milne, including the role of Chief Financial Officer, and Heineken based in Europe. Stuart is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. He joins the company on 9^th December 2024, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Wallace. His appointment follows a thorough and competitive recruitment process.

Commenting on the appointment, Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, said: “With a proven ability to align financial strategy with business ambitions, Stuart’s financial and executive director leadership will be pivotal as we continue to evolve as a business, positioning Forth Ports for continued sustainable growth and long-term success. I am confident that Stuart will not only strengthen our executive team but also bring significant strategic insight and value to the main board and we look forward to him joining the business in December.”

 Stuart MacGregor said: “I am thrilled to be joining Forth Ports at this exciting time for the business. This is a growing company with strong ambitions in sectors that are critical to the Scottish and UK economies. I look forward to playing my part in its future success.”

Forth Ports has outlined its commitment and the actions it is taking to achieve a Net Zero carbon operation by 2042 alongside the Thames Freeport and Forth Green Freeport partnerships which are seeking to accelerate the drive to Net Zero across the country.

Forth Ports announces that, following a rigorous review across their business, the group has been awarded the Silver accredited membership of The 5% Club*. This accolade highlights the business’ strong commitment to early career employees through “earn & learn” initiatives including apprenticeships, graduate opportunities and sponsored student placements.

The independent audit, which took place earlier this year, thoroughly assessed the company’s current efforts, future ambitions and commitment to social mobility, diversity, and inclusion. Forth Ports’ prides itself in its continued investment and commitment in nurturing and developing the new wave of upcoming talent for the port and logistics industry. The investment in talent is a key part of Forth Ports long-term strategy which also aligns with the broader goals set by both the Scottish and UK Governments.

Forth Ports has an existing community of 69 graduates and apprentices already working across the business in a wide range of roles and plans to recruit a further 20 exciting early career roles across their ports which they will launch in early in 2025.

Commenting on the award, Michelle Primrose, Chief People Officer said: “Being awarded Silver status is an important achievement for us as it demonstrates the significant investment and importance we place in our early career opportunities as well as the continuous learning and professional growth of all our people. As we get ready to launch our new early careers roles in 2025, we are looking forward to further increasing our talented workforce across our growing business.”

Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding employers, like Forth Ports who have gone above and beyond to invest in the future of their workforce through a diverse range of ‘earn and learn’ initiatives. Their dedication, especially during these challenging times, deserves to be celebrated. By achieving Silver membership, Forth Ports has shown an exceptional commitment to shaping the skills of tomorrow, contributing not only to their business but to the wider economy.”

Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club, added: “It is inspiring to witness the dedication and passion our members bring to providing meaningful career development opportunities. Forth Ports Silver membership highlights their leadership in creating impactful learning environments that prioritise inclusion and diversity. As we see 20% of our members reaching these prestigious tiers, it’s a true reflection of how companies like Forth Ports is laying the groundwork for the future talent pipeline.”

*Being part of The 5% Club, Forth Ports stand alongside over 1,100 forward-thinking employers who are dedicated to driving positive change. The 5% Club represents a powerful movement of companies working together to make workplace training more inclusive, diverse, and accessible. Collectively, members support 1.9 million employees, with more than 108,000 individuals participating in “earn and learn” schemes.  Out of a distinguished list of members, Forth Ports has been recognised as one of the accomplished Silver members of The 5% Club. This achievement puts the business at the forefront of workplace learning innovation.