Chris Heikkinen has been tapped to serve as the next CEO of the Port of Thunder Bay (Supplied Photo)

The Board of Directors with the Port of Thunder Bay has selected the successor to outgoing Chief Executive Officer Tim Heney.

Director of Business Development Chris Heikkinen assumed the role effective Wednesday, and says his time in that role and others will prepare him for what comes next.

“Fortunately that leaves me well prepared for the role and there will be some overlap of duties as I move forward, and we’ve been doing some reorganization work as well and we have some new hires.”

Heikkinen has served a number of roles during his 13 years with the Port of Thunder Bay, most recently as the Director of Business Development and Terminal Operations.

He notes during that time he was able to work with Heney and thanks him for the guidance and support.

“He’s been a mentor of mine since day one which has been a huge help for me, but I’m excited to jump into the hot seat and steer the ship from here if you will.”

The selection of Heikkinen came following a continent wide search through an executive search firm.

Over the past few years business at the port has increased considerably through grain and potash shipments as well as other forms of cargo through Keefer Terminal.