Derek Smith, Business Development Manager, Takes A Step Toward Retirement

On Friday 27 March 2009 Derek Smith, Business Development Manager, retired from DP World Southampton only to return on Wednesday 1 April 2009 on a part-time consultative basis.

Derek first started working at the terminal over 30 years ago after almost 12 years at sea, including 5 years as a deck officer on OCL containerships. Aside from 6 years at another UK port his career in Southampton has included roles in planning and project management, as well as on overseas projects assisting with due diligence and general terminal design.   In 2002 Derek was promoted to the role of Business Development Manager, responsible for developing and implementing the commercial strategy for the business.

Derek’s successor, Aart Hille Ris Lambers, joins the company on Tuesday 5 May 2009.

Talking about Derek’s contribution to the company, Campbell Mason, Managing Director, DP World Southampton, said:

“Derek is one of the most dedicated and hard-working people I have had the privilege to work with in this business.  He has an impressive breadth of knowledge reflecting his maritime background and the variety of roles he has carried out since coming ashore just a few decades ago.  His lengthy career has also spanned the good and the ‘not so good’ times.  He has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the company and I’m delighted that he has agreed to assist us on a part-time basis to ensure an effective handover of knowledge and relationships to Aart. 

I would like to wish Derek and his wife, Jenny, a very long and happy retirement together.”