Wales' biggest port, Milford Haven, is aiming to attract more marine renewable investment with the appointment of a new director to head up its Pembroke Port, Milford Docks and Milford Marina operations.

Kevin Hobbs will take on responsibility for Short Sea operations at MHPA, which includes ferry and cargo handling, operation of the Milford Dock, Marina and Ship Repairers, as well as the Estates department.

Mr. Hobbs will bring to the various MHPA trading operations based at those facilities, strong commercial leadership and a wealth of operational management experience at a time when the Port is evolving. He'll be taking forward plans to attract marine renewables investment to the Port, as well as putting together plans for new development in both Milford Docks and Pembroke Port.

Having begun his career with Ready Mixed Concrete Group with particular responsibility for sea dredged aggregates in South Wales, Kevin moved into ferry operations in 1991 when he joined Merchant Ferries. He went on to progress through various roles, culminating in becoming CEO and managing director of Seatruck Ferries from 2000 through to 2008, during which time he took the business from start-up through to becoming a profitable ferry business operating five ferries across the Irish Sea.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Hobbs said: "This is a great time to be joining the team at Milford Haven Port. We have exciting plans emerging and some outstanding facilities at both Pembroke Port and Milford Haven. Our tenants include some world-class companies with exciting plans of their own, of course. And there is the huge opportunity presented by marine renewable energy to bring jobs and investment to West Wales. Those are the kind of challenges I am really looking forward to. Away from work, Pembrokeshire is a beautiful place and my family and I can't wait to explore the county."

CEO of MHPA, Alec Don, said "We are delighted to welcome Kevin aboard. This appointment is very much about the future. We need a dedicated management focus in order to fulfil the plans we have been developing for Pembroke Port and Milford Docks. I and all of our colleagues at MHPA look forward to working with Kevin in the months and years to come."

As well as being a keen walker, Kevin is also a qualified rugby coach