NOEL Hacegaba will take over as chief executive of the Port of Long Beach, after current boss Mario Cordero steps down at the end of this year

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners announced that at its Dec. 8, 2025 Board meeting, Commissioners will consider the appointment of longtime Port of Long Beach executive Dr. Noel Hacegaba as the Port’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026 where NOEL Hacegaba will take over as chief executive of the Port of Long Beach, after current boss Mario Cordero steps down at the end of this year after leading the Port through a period of record cargo growth, major modernization and the global pandemic.

Mr. Hacegaba has negotiated several major business transactions including the multibillion-dollar sales of Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals International, and previously served as Managing Director of Commercial Operations and Chief Commercial Officer, guiding the Port through historic industry realignment and record cargo recovery following a major carrier bankruptcy.

Experience managing all key Port functions

“Noel Hacegaba is the ideal choice to lead the Port of Long Beach,” said Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Noel brings extensive experience managing all key Port functions, deep knowledge of the goods movement industry and a collaborative leadership style that will serve the Port well as we navigate future challenges and opportunities.”

Elevate the Port’s profile internationally

Mr. Hacegaba has served in senior management roles at the Port for 15 years, rising to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversees daily operations including commercial services, engineering, finance and administration, planning and environmental affairs, and strategic advocacy.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as CEO of the Port of Long Beach and excited to lead our stellar staff to strengthen the nation’s supply chain as we build the port of the future,” said Mr. Hacegaba. “I am looking forward to working with our Mayor, Harbor Commission and partners to accelerate our economic engine as we elevate the Port’s profile internationally by delivering world-class infrastructure and customer service and industry-leading sustainability programs.”

Continue driving economic opportunity 

Long Beach mayor Rex Richardson said the port was entering a “a pivotal decade, one defined by bold climate action, digital transformation, and generational infrastructure investments”.

“Hacegaba is well positioned to guide this next chapter as we accelerate toward zero-emission operations, expand our global competitiveness and continue driving economic opportunity for our community,” Richardson said.

About : The Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is a major U.S. as regains rank as second-busiest U.S. cargo seaport in California, serving as a crucial gateway for trans-Pacific trade, handling massive container volumes, and featuring advanced, green terminals, supporting millions of American jobs and generating billions in trade annually, all while focusing heavily on environmental sustainability and innovation. 

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