Seroka Gets Nod to Lead Port of Los Angeles

Gene Seroka was just sworn in as the next Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/6s6dNQmLqp — michelegrubbs (@michelegrubbs) June 11, 2014

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved Gene Seroka to lead North America’s busiest container port as executive director June 11.

Seroka, 49, had been an executive with American Presidents Line in the ocean carrier’s Scottsdale, Arizona, office and has worked in the maritime industry since 1988. He succeeds Geraldine Knatz, who retired in November.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti nominated Seroka on May 27. The city’s Harbor Commission approved the nomination June 5 and sent it to the city council for what had been the final step in the approval process. A port spokesman said June 11 that Seroka probably will start within the next 30 days.

"I am honored to lead the team dedicated to making this powerful engine the most competitive, efficient and sustainable source of prosperity for the benefit of both our region and U.S. international trade,” Seroka said in the statement announcing his confirmation.

Seroka had been head of commercial operations in the Americas for APL and has worked for the company or its parent, Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines, since earning his MBA degree in 1988.

L.A. city engineer Gary Moore has been serving as interim director since Knatz left.