Meet our new GM Operations, Paul Williams
Our new General Manager Operations, Paul Williams, started with the port three years ago as our Terminal Manager. He recently moved into the General Manager position after a rigorous recruitment process.
Paul’s career has taken him across the globe and he brings invaluable experience in ports and shipping to our senior management team.
With a career that began at Blue Star Line in Wellington as a Trade Assistant, Paul quickly progressed through the industry, joining Maersk as a management trainee. This role allowed Paul to travel extensively and eventually led him to a move into port operations with APM Terminals. There, he worked on major projects including new terminal builds in Africa and the Middle East and gained frontline operational experience as a Shift Operations Manager at the company’s 2-million TEU terminal in Rotterdam.
Returning to New Zealand, he spent time with Fonterra in Darfield before moving into a leadership role at Lyttelton Port. There, he helped deliver major infrastructure projects such as the Rolleston Inland Port (Midland Port), the Lyttelton marina (Te Ana), and the terminal capacity expansion project.
His project management and operational leadership experience have proven a perfect foundation for his new role at Port Nelson when he joined the team in 2022 as Terminal Operations Manager.
“I’ve always wanted to live in Nelson for the lifestyle, and when the opportunity came up to join the port team, we jumped at the chance,” he says. “For someone who works in ports, Port Nelson is a great operation to be part of.” Over the last three years, Paul has led effective change including leading our Port User Management Project, introducing the permit process, and relocating the Vehicle Transfer Area for improved safety.
In his first year, his focus is on getting to know the teams, understanding how they work, and finding the best ways to support them. “Success for me looks like a team that’s safe, efficient, service-minded, and collaborative. When we achieve that, great outcomes will follow.”
A key project he’s excited about is Port Nelson’s Master Plan development. “It’s a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape the port’s future.”
Known for his hands-on leadership style, he values honesty, integrity, ownership, and a "make it happen" mindset. Whether joining team toolbox meetings or walking the yard, he believes in being actively involved and building strong relationships across the organisation.
His love for the industry is clear. “I’ve always loved the port environment, the ships, the weather, the people. It’s where I feel at home. I also take great pride in the contribution we make to Te Tauihu and our local communities.”
Outside of work, he and his wife Angie are settling into life on a lifestyle block in Tasman, where he’s learning the ropes of fruit tree growing and enjoying walks by the coast and through the hills.
