BUSINESS leaders and MPs have paid tribute to "the man who has been instrumental" in plans to bring wind energy giant Siemens to Hull.
Matt Jukes, formerly port director for Hull and Goole at Associated British Ports (ABP), has now left his post with the organisation.
The Mail understands he was made redundant as a result of ABP merging the two port director posts for the north and south banks of the Humber.
The new organisation, which will bring all ABP's four Humber ports under one umbrella, will be led by John Fitzgerald, currently ABP port director Grimsby and Immingham.
Mr Jukes said he was "shocked and stunned" by the decision, which brings to an end a career spanning almost two decades with the company, however he said ABP remained a "great business".
He said: "It's a big blow and coming away from the docks will be a major change in my life. The ports in Hull and Goole in particular are, for me, the heart of the city and also the heart of me."
Mr Jukes has been at the forefront of discussions to transform Alexandra Dock into Green Port Hull, and has worked closely with Hull City Council, MPs and others stakeholders to attract wind energy giant Siemens to build a £230m turbine factory on the site.
He said: "I always felt Green Port was a different kind of project; for me it wasn't just a port project but one which is integral to this region, so to get this close and then leave is almost unbearable. But now I have to go and find the next part of my career."
Mr Jukes said he would "love to stay local" and thanked everyone who has worked with him and supported him in his roles.
He said: "It is a great shame as I would have Green Port get to the final line. I leave with great sadness that I won't be part of that process, however I wish John Fitzgerald every success in his new role. Green Port is a great project in a great city at a great port and I am gutted, but while this is a life-changing event people do go through worse."
ABP's former chief executive Peter Jones said Mr Jukes "almost single handedly created the Green Port Hull project".
He said: "During my years at ABP he was an absolutely essential part of the team.
"I am deeply saddened by the news and think it is a great loss to the company."
Mr Jukes joined ABP in Hull in 1994 as a hydrographic surveyor.
Between 1996 and 2000 he enjoyed a stint in operations at Grimsby and Immingham, before returning to Hull as ABP's marketing manager. He then progressed to operations manager for Hull and Goole, and then deputy port manager in 2003.
In 2005 he became port director for ABP's Short Sea Ports (smaller ports), covering ports up and down the country, from Ayr to Plymouth, before progressing to port director for Hull and Goole in 2008.
Alan Johnson, MP for Hull West and Hessle, described him as "a fine port director and a great advocate for Green Port".
He said: "I've said before that if the Siemens deal materialises, lots of people will be seeking the credit but few will deserve it more than Matt Jukes. I hope he remains in Hull and uses his considerable talents where they will be better appreciated."
Karl Turner, MP for Hull East, said he wished to "pay tribute to Matt for the amazing efforts" he has shown to achieve what has been done at Alexandra Dock.
Mr Turner, who has worked closely with the former port director since his election in 2010, said: "Matt has led the Green Port project and has been instrumental in getting it to this stage.
"We are nearly there and are very close to a decision in terms of Siemens coming here. I'm confident he has been the one that will have delivered that once it comes off."
Mr Turner said he accepted businesses "have to make difficult decisions" but said he was "disappointed ABP have taken this one now".
"It is disappointing if Matt is a casualty of efficiency savings at ABP," he said.
Lord Haskins, chairman of Humber LEP, said Mr Jukes' work "should see the transformation of the port which is a great legacy".
He said: "He will be missed and I am sure everyone who has worked with him is intrigued as to where he will take his considerable business experience next."
Speaking about Mr Jukes departure, ABP said it would be "inappropriate" to discuss matters relating to independent members of staff, however chief executive James Cooper said: "Matt has made a significant contribution to ABP, most recently in his dogged pursuit of the Green Port Hull project, which, when it is delivered, will transform the port. We wish him well for the future."
