The Prince Rupert Port Authority has appointed Kurt Slocombe as its permanent President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The announcement, shared on April 1, 2026, marks the end of an international search that began in October 2025 to find a successor for retired leader Shaun Stevenson.
Slocombe is a familiar face to many in the community, having lived in Prince Rupert since 2007. He joined the port authority in 2019 as Vice President of Operations, Planning and Infrastructure, and has served as the organization’s interim leader since the start of 2026. Board Chair Peter Lantin noted that Slocombe’s deep understanding of operations and long-standing commitment to the local area were key factors in his selection to lead the gateway during this period of significant growth.
The transition follows the retirement of Shaun Stevenson, who stepped down on December 31, 2025, after 28 years with the organization. Under Stevenson’s tenure, the port saw major expansion, eventually anchoring $60 billion in annual trade and becoming Canada’s third-largest port. The facility currently supports 7,500 jobs in the region and contributes $12 million every year in property taxes to local governments.
Slocombe takes the helm at a busy time for the local economy. The port is currently overseeing more than $3 billion in major construction projects, including the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility and the new export logistics hub known as CANXPORT. These developments are arriving as the port continues to see record activity, having handled 26.3 million tonnes of cargo in 2025.
