Chief executive of Celtic Freeport stands down

Luciana Ciubotariu had stepped down.

The chief executive of the Celtic Freeport has stepped down from her role less than two years after first taking the job.

The Celtic Freeport, which covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and benefits from a number of UK Government funded tax breaks and incentives, has confirmed that Brazilian Luciana Ciubotariu had stood down.

While no further detail on the resignation was given, a representative speaking on behalf of the Celtic Freeport board thanked her for her contribution to the development of the Celtic Freeport, and wished her every success in the future.

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Ms Ciubotariu, who was formerly part of the senior management team of the Thames Freeport in London, started her role in May 2024, where she headed up the early foundation stages of the Welsh freeport plans.

The move comes just weeks after Neath Port Talbot Council agreed to enter a memorandum of understanding with the UK and Welsh Governments, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Celtic Freeport Company Limited.

This was intended to formalise the authority as the accountable body for the freeport moving forward as it enters its “delivery phase”.

A statement released by the Freeport said: “During her time as chief executive, Luciana led the organisation through the approval of its full business case and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government and Welsh Government.

“This will unlock £25m of public investment for the Celtic Freeport and represents a significant milestone in the wider investment programme across the region.

“The Celtic Freeport Board would like to thank Luciana for her contribution to the development of the Celtic Freeport and wishes her every success in the future.”