Georgia Ports Authority appoints McCarthy COO

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has named Ed McCarthy its new chief operations officer.

McCarthy comes to Georgia from his latest post in Norfolk, Va., as COO for CMA CGM America. His first day at GPA was Sept. 6.

McCarthy's experience at major shipping lines and port terminals on both coasts will provide important insights to GPA, as it seeks new business opportunities in Savannah and Brunswick, said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch in a press release.

At CMA CGM, McCarthy oversaw an annual budget of $1.9 billion and led a team of 150 employees, managing more than 400 vendors in marine, rail, trucking and logistics.

"Georgia's ports are known throughout the industry as models of efficiency, and I am excited for the opportunity to help grow that success," McCarthy said.

As COO, McCarthy will be responsible for sustaining profitable growth and development of GPA operations, as well as maintaining operating standards. Reporting directly to him will be the GPA's directors of engineering and facilities maintenance; information technology; equipment maintenance and crane and ship operations; container operations; breakbulk and bulk operations; and the director of protective services, as well as the senior director of strategic operations and safety.