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On 1 September 2012, Ronald Paul will succeed Thessa Menssen as director of Infrastructure and Maritime Affairs, or chief operating officer, at Port of Rotterdam Authority. Ronald Paul has spent the last eight years directing the Project Organisation Maasvlakte 2.

After completing his BSc Civil Engineering, Ronald Paul, aged 52, spent the early years of his career in various posts within the corporate sector. In 1985, he moved to the Port Authority, first working on infrastructure projects. He then became responsible, within the commercial board, for land allocation, real estate, contract management and policy on sea harbour dues. Since 2004, Ronald Paul has been director of the Project Organisation Maasvlakte 2.

"The new COO has a wealth of experience within the Port Authority, a large network in Rotterdam’s port business community and, thanks to the Maasvlakte 2 project, also an extensive political/administrative network and a good feel for administrative relations," Port of Rotterdam Authority said.

Ronald Paul’s qualities have not gone unnoticed outside the Port Authority either - at the end of 2010 he was named Port Man of the Year 2010.

As of 1 September 2012, the Port of Rotterdam Authority board will consist of Ronald Paul, Hans Smits (CEO) and Paul Smits (CFO). On the same date, the current COO, Thessa Menssen, will join construction company BAM as CFO.