Port of Oakland gives Executive Director new 3-year contract

Oakland, Calif. – June 27, 2016: Port of Oakland Commissioners have awarded Executive Director Chris Lytle a new three-year contract.  The agreement means the longtime industry veteran will remain at the helm in Oakland through July 2019.  Commissioners unanimously approved the new deal at a meeting last week.

“Chris Lytle has transformed the Port of Oakland and raised its visibility as a center for trade, transportation and economic vitality,” said Earl Hamlin, President of the Board of Port Commissioners.  “Chris and his staff have the full support of the Board and we look forward to three more years of progress together.”

Mr. Lytle will continue to manage three primary businesses: a seaport, Oakland International Airport and a commercial real estate portfolio.  All three have achieved milestones under his direction in 2016 including:

• Thirty-consecutive months of growing passenger traffic at the Airport along with Oakland’s first nonstop service to London;
• An export rebound at the Port of Oakland along with the first three visits of the 1,300-foot-long Benjamin Franklin, the largest cargo ship to ever visit the U.S.; and
• A new master lease at tourist-favorite Jack London Square with CIM Group, one of the nation’s best-known real estate investment and management firms.

“It has been gratifying to work with the staff and Board at the Port of Oakland,” said Mr. Lytle.  “We’ve achieved a great deal together and it’s my honor to continue working toward our common goals.”

Mr. Lytle joined the Port in 2013 after serving as Executive Director at the Port of Long Beach.  Before that, he worked as a shipping industry executive with CMA CGM, P&O Ports, APM Terminals and Sea-Land Service.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:
Robert Bernardo, Communications Manager

Port of Oakland

Tel. 510-627-1401

Email: [email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur, Port Spokesperson

Port of Oakland

Tel. 510-627-1193

Email: [email protected]

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