The port of New Orleans has appointed Beth Ann Branch as president and ceo of Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB).
Starting December 1, 2024, Branch brings more than 20 years of experience in the transport and logistics industry. She will take over from executive vice president and chief financial officer Ronald Wendel Jr, who served as Port NOLA’s acting president and ceo, and acting ceo of NOPB.
“After a comprehensive national search, it became clear that Branch is the visionary leader needed to help move Port NOLA and Louisiana forward,” said Louisiana governor Jeff Landry. “Her deep understanding of the commercial landscape and her track record of fostering rapid economic growth will ensure that our state remains a critical player in the global supply chain.”
Branch joins Port NOLA from the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile, having served as chief commercial officer since 2021. Before that, she led business development and international marketing for the port of Oakland’s maritime division. Branch also worked in various leadership positions at Maersk for 18 years.
In August 2024, HLPFI reported on the progress of NOPB’s railroad projects.
