The Hornblower Group announced Stephen A. Edwards has been appointed CEO of the North American ferry infrastructure provider, effective Jan. 1. He will succeed Mike Flaskey, who will then transition to a senior advisor role for Hornblower and Strategic Value Partners, according to a Hornblower statement Dec. 4.
“Edwards is a seasoned infrastructure executive with deep experience in the marine transportation sector,” according to Hornblower. “A successful four-time CEO, he has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and cultivating successful commercial relationships and public-private partnerships.”
Edwards is coming to Hornblower from the Virginia Port Authority, where he has been serving as CEO and executive director since January 2021. During his tenure the port completed a $1.4 billion capital investment program on time and on budget, while growing volumes, revenues, earnings, and workforce hours.
The port helped attract a record amount of port-centric industrial development to Virginia and renegotiated the lease for the Virginia International Gateway container terminal. Prior to leading the Virginia Port Authority, Edwards served in CEO roles at TraPac, a container terminal operator in the California ports of Los Angeles and Oakland; Global Container Terminals, the largest majority Canadian-owned terminal operator; and Ports America, a diversified ports operator and supply chain logistics provider with operations in more than 30 ports across the United States.
“Hornblower Group is known for partnering with local and national authorities to provide water transportation services to North America's leading public attractions and commuter routes,” said Edwards. “I am eager to begin working with its talented team to build on this legacy, enhance operations, facilitate innovation, and deliver extraordinary service to our guests and communities.”
“Stephen Edwards is an exceptional leader, known for his commitment to continuous improvement of commercial and operational performance,” said David Geenberg, head of corporate investments, North America at Strategic Value Partners and a member of Hornblower's board of directors.
“He is well positioned to lead Hornblower as it continues to build upon its franchise as the leading water transportation infrastructure provider in North America. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mike for his contributions over the past 18 months and for positioning Hornblower for continued success.”
