Jacksonville Port Authority Board of Directors Chairman Joe York announced Friday that Brian Taylor will begin work as CEO of JaxPort today.
JaxPort awaited a decision by the Florida Commission on Ethics, which met Friday, on whether or not Taylor had a conflict of interest serving as the port’s CEO while receiving a separation package from Horizon Lines Inc., which operates out of the port.
The commission supported its staff recommendation of “no conflict of interest” because Horizon Lines subcontracts space from APM Terminals at the port and APM Terminals leases space from the port.
With no direct contract between the two entities, the opinion stated there is no conflict.
Taylor is a former executive vice president and chief operating officer of Horizon Lines.
“I’m glad that the process has come to successful conclusion and I am anxious to get started on Monday,” Taylor said by phone.
He said his first priorities will be to meet with staff and customers and familiarize himself with the port’s strategic plan being developed by Martin Associates.
Taylor worked for Horizon Lines from January 2000 to December 2012 in roles of increasing responsibility until he left the company as executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief commercial officer.
Most recently, Taylor was senior vice president of sales and operations for New Breed Logistics in High Point, N.C.
He has served around the world during his 30-year career and holds an MBA in financial management and a bachelor’s of commerce in economics from Concordia University in Montreal.
The JaxPort board conducted a national executive search to fill the vacant CEO position using the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.
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