Clarivette Diaz new GM of San Juan Cruise Port

Diaz, who'll start in November, succeeds Federico González-Denton, who left after starting up the San Juan operation, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding, part of a public-private partnership with Puerto Rico.

Groundbreaking ceremony

Diaz's appointment was announced during a groundbreaking ceremony at San Juan Cruise Port, led by Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi, marking the launch of the first phase of a $425m capital improvement program to repair, modernize and build new infrastructure at the Port of San Juan. In the two-year first phase,  projects include the rehabilitation of Pan American Piers I and II, infrastructure repairs to Pier 4 and reconditioning the walkway between Piers 1 and 4.

Jan Fomferra thanks Gov. Pierluisi, key stakeholders and the San Juan Cruise Port team for their support PHOTO: SAN JUAN CRUISE PORT

'We’re very excited about what we have accomplished in Puerto Rico over the last seven years … from our initial unsolicited proposal to transform and modernize San Juan’s iconic cruise ship piers, to our participation in the government’s competitive P3 process, to being awarded the concession, to completing the financial closing last February and all the permitting this summer,' San Juan Cruise Port President and GPH CFO Jan Fomferra said.

'Now we finally get to start construction to propel the San Juan Cruise Port to the next level.'

Fomferra added that Diaz's 'experience and professionalism in Puerto Rico’s maritime transportation sector is very well known, and we are sure that she will be an excellent leader to propel forward our agenda of making San Juan a world-class cruise port for the benefit of all Puerto Ricans.'

He also thanked Susana Gutiérrez for support during the GM search, which he said ensured the continuity of work leading up to the groundbreaking.

'Everything we were looking for in a leader'

Said Mike Maura Jr., regional director of GPH Americas: 'Clarivette embodies everything we were looking for in a leader ... We believe that we need a Puerto Rican champion at the helm to maximize the true potential of SJCP, and Clarivette Diaz is that champion.'

Diaz brings more than 19 years of experience. At Puerto Rico Terminals, she led strategic growth initiatives, improved operational efficiency and fostered a culture of innovation. Her previous experience at Tropical Shipping included various key positions, culminating as island manager, where she oversaw operations and logistics while ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.

'As a Puerto Rican, I recognize the critical role that cruise tourism plays in the local economy and look forward to promoting and preserving our local cultural heritage here,' Diaz said. 'I will ensure that we maintain our commitment to work closely with local companies, fostering long-term partnerships that strengthen the island's economy, promote local talent and ensure that both our business and the cruise industry thrive in a way that benefits the entire community.'