ABP boosts regional property team
Rob Morton has taken on a newly created role as lead property asset manager in Associated British Ports’ Humber operation as the firm looks to expand its investment portfolio.
Morton will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities through the management of relationships with new and existing ABP customers and hold responsibility for asset management and property development projects.
He joins following seven years with developer CEG, where he was responsible for the performance of a mixed portfolio comprising seven office and industrial assets across the North West and Yorkshire.
ABP operates four ports in the Humber and has an extensive development land bank with the appetite to acquire further strategic land holdings.
Simon Bird, regional director for the Humber said: “We welcome Rob to ABP and see this role as central to the success of the future development pipeline and revenue growth for the business.
“There are many opportunities to enhance our current portfolio including reviews of underutilised parcels of land within our ports.”
Greg Lacey, head of property (Humber), added: “He has a proven record of accomplishment in asset management and will play a key role in our expansion and growth of our investment portfolio. We are constantly looking at our strategy, delivering exceptional results, and supporting the continued expansion of our customers. The introduction of this role will further strengthen our team on the Humber.”
Morton, who also has spells with Savills and TCS under his belt, will work out of ASBP’s Hull and Immingham offices.
He said: “I am delighted to join ABP at this exciting time as we embark on the new property strategy. I am looking forward to working on the asset management of Humber International Enterprise Park and attracting new customers to what is one of the largest logistics development opportunities in the wider Yorkshire market.”
Projects ABP is currently working on include renovations of historic buildings in the area known as the Kasbah within the Port of Grimsby complex. The former ice plant sold by ABP in 2021 is to be transformed into a conference centre with the addition of a new hotel on site.
