Dover Harbour Board has announced that its Chief Executive, Bob Goldfield, will stand down from 31 May 2013 after 11 years in post.

The Port of Dover is one of Europe’s largest passenger ports and the nearest English port to France. 

Mr Goldfield said: ‘For the past 11 years, I have had the honour to be the Chief Executive of the UK’s premier port and certainly one of the world’s busiest ports.

‘Those 11 years have been, in turn, exciting, demanding and challenging.’

He added: ‘I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their help and support over the years and to wish the Board and all of the Port of Dover staff every success in the future.’

Dover Harbour Board (DHB) Chairman, George Jenkins said: ‘Bob Goldfield has devoted himself to this role, has delivered significant change and led the organisation into a more commercial, resilient and successful port operation.’

The Port’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Waggott, will be appointed as Acting CEO on 1 June 2013.

Mr Goldfield will carry out other duties for DHB in advance of his September departure.