News

The St. John's Port Authority (SJPA) Announces Retirement of President & CEO

June 8th, 2026

The SJPA announces that Sean Hanrahan, after 28 years as President & CEO, has decided to retire, effective June 30, 2026. A former lawyer, Sean had been Vice Chairperson of the SJPA’s Board prior to his time as CEO; as well as having served numerous terms on the Board of Directors of both the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and the American Association of Port Authorities. He has also been a two-term City Councillor and a two-term alumni-elected member of Memorial University’s Board of Regents.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our gratitude to Sean for his excellent contributions to the SJPA over the years", said Harold Hefferton, Chairperson. "While there have been numerous achievements, 2025 in particular has seen the highest ever revenue for the SJPA, as well as the complete elimination of all debt. While we are reluctant to see him go, we certainly respect Sean’s decision and wish him the very best in the future”.

"Serving as President and CEO of the SJPA has been the privilege of a lifetime”, said Hanrahan. “Given our enviable financial position, the SJPA is perfectly poised to take on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead". He added: "I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with an excellent team here at the SJPA and, each and every day, have been inspired by the port users: the risk-takers that make things work in the Province’s historic marine industry".

The Board of Directors will soon initiate an executive search process to inform its selection of the next President & CEO. In the interim, Bob McCarthy, Vice President – Development, will assume the role of interim CEO, effective July 1, 2026, thereby ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and continued operational excellence.

The SJPA is a financially self-sufficient Federal agency charged with the management of the Port of St. John’s; deriving all revenues solely from operations and reinvesting all earnings into port infrastructure and operations. As a result of the SJPA’s effective stewardship, and the invaluable endeavours of the Port User community, the Port of St. John’s has an estimated economic impact on the Province of $559.1 million per annum, with an associated 4,471 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, the SJPA donates 0.5% of its annual Operating Income – approximately $50,000 per year – to its Community Investment Programme in partnership with the United Way of Newfoundland and Labrador.