Virginia authority selects Reinhart to lead state's port

The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) last week named John Reinhart executive director and chief executive officer of the Port of Virginia.

When he assumes the post in February 2014, Reinhart will become the fourth person to lead the Norfolk port since the state's Hampton Roads container terminals were unified under the Port of Virginia in 1982.

Reinhart will succeed Rodney Oliver, the VPA's chief financial officer who has served as interim executive director and CEO since September 2012. VPA's board began a search for a permanent leader in May.

"After months of exhaustive searching, I am supremely confident that we have found an experienced, inspirational leader who is well-equipped to guide the Port of Virginia to its best days," said VPA Chairman Jeff Wassmer in a press release.

Reinhart has more than 20 years of maritime experience, most recently as president and CEO of Maersk Line Ltd. He joined Maersk Inc. in 1991 in a human resources role, and later joined Universal Maritime Services, where he served as general manager of maintenance and repair, general manager of operations and president. Reinhart returned to Maersk in 1996 as a regional director and later became a senior vice president.

"John's vast experience in the maritime industry and the Hampton Roads community make him ideally suited to lead the Virginia Port Authority," said Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell in a prepared statement.