Metro Ports announced the appointment of Geir-Eilif Kalhagen to the newly created position of director of Northern California and Pacific Northwest, which combines operational and business development responsibilities.

Kalhagen joined Metro Ports on May 23 and will focus efforts on business development, acquisitions and growth in the region. His experience in the region will allow Metro to grow markets and services through terminal expansion and stevedoring. Additionally, Kalhagen will have operational responsibility with a particular emphasis on ensuring that new operations are designed to meet the goals of the expanded opportunities. He reports to Mike Ferguson, Metro Ports president, and is domiciled in Stockton, Calif.

Kalhagen brings more than 30 years of experience in maritime commerce, supply chain management and executive leadership to the position. Previous positions include serving as the chief executive officer at the Port of Longview, Wash., general manager of Tidal Transport and Trading, Star Shipping manager of operations SE Asia/USWC and Stevedoring Services of America operations management. Kalhagen’s breadth of operational experience includes Europe, Asia and North America.

Kalhagen holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science from the University of South Alabama. He has served as the first vice president for the International Association of Ports and Harbors, is a member of the Freight Task Force for the American Association of Port Authorities and has served as the vice chair for the Washington State Ports Transportation Committee.