August 14, 2024

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) today announced the appointment of Fulvio Fracassi as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 26, 2024.

Today’s announcement follows an extensive international search under the oversight of the HPA’s Board of Directors with the support of Odgers Berndtson, a global executive search firm with expertise in the ports and transportation sectors.

“Fulvio is an experienced CEO and marine executive with deep management, operations and transformation accomplishments in his more than 30 year career,” said David Cameron, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Halifax Port Authority. “We are excited to have him join the Port to lead its next pivotal phase as Canada’s Ultra Atlantic gateway of regional, national and international importance.”

“In the Board’s view, Fulvio’s visionary leadership and demonstrated track record, complemented by his strategic focus and experience as a CEO and in senior executive roles including with the Laurentian Pilotage Authority, Transport Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada, made him the ideal appointment as the new President and CEO for the Port of Halifax,” Cameron said. “He has been instrumental in leading diverse teams to achieve success, always with an overarching commitment to safety.”

“It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to join the Halifax Port Authority,” Fracassi said. “I look forward to leading the skilled team at the Port, and working together with Port partners, stakeholders and community to advance Halifax as a strategic, national trade and transportation hub. Halifax connects communities across North America with more than 150 countries around the world and is a centre for Port innovation. I am excited to get started and to contribute to the Port’s success moving forward.”

Ahead of Fracassi’s appointment date, he will be joining the Port starting September 16 and attending the Ports Canada Conference and the Port of Halifax’s Supply Chain Forum as part of the leadership transition.

As Captain Allan Gray wraps up his tenure as President and CEO, Cameron thanked him for his leadership of the Halifax Port Authority since his arrival in 2019.  “Captain Gray guided the Port through the challenges of the pandemic, developed a long-term plan for the Port’s robust future and integrated sustainability into daily port operations. He is a champion of innovation and collaboration. We thank him for his commitment to the Port and wish him well in the next stage of his career with his return to Australia.” Gray will act as an advisor to Fracassi until the end of his contract in November 2024.

Photo of Fulvio Fracassi

Fulvio Fracassi Biography

Fulvio Fracassi is a seasoned CEO and senior executive with extensive experience working with the marine industry, and has public sector experience spanning more than 30 years.

As the CEO of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority (LPA) for more than 10 years (2012-2022), he led the strategic direction, 24/7 operations and legislative mandate of Canada’s largest marine pilotage authority. In this role, he successfully developed and implemented an ambitious vision and strategy for the organization, led transformative initiatives and repositioned the LPA as a leader within the industry it services. He also played a leading role in respect of legislative reforms to modernize pilotage services in Canada and improve the marine transportation system.

Following his leadership as CEO of the LPA, Fulvio provided advisory and consultancy services and most recently joined Delegatus, a Quebec business law firm.

Prior to joining the LPA, Fulvio worked as Director General with Transport Canada, where he led the strategic direction, management and oversight of the National Marine Security Program, including inspection services and compliance activities within the scope of the Marine Transportation Security Act and Regulations.

He was also Director General at the Labour Program, a federal institution within the department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). In this capacity, he was responsible for the management and delivery of national programs in the areas of occupational health and safety, labour standards and employment equity coming under the responsibility of the federal minister of labour.

Fulvio also held a variety of legal counsel positions of increasing responsibility within the Department of Justice Canada for over 15 years providing advice in the areas of transportation law, labour law, and international trade law.

About the Port of Halifax

The Halifax Port Authority stewards key federal infrastructure and waters at the Port of Halifax as spaces for economic growth, innovation, tourism, and community. The port’s three main lines of business are cargo, cruise and real estate. Our deep harbour and advanced infrastructure mean that Halifax is the only Eastern Canadian port capable of accommodating Ultra Class ships and the largest container vessels to call at any port in Canada. Sustainability is built into every facet of the port and how we operate. Visit www.porthalifax.ca

Contact:

Lori MacLean
Halifax Port Authority
(902) 209-7170
[email protected]