Korelic: Babic's Appointment as Luka Boss not Just Temporary
Koper, 26 July - A day after the supervisory board accepted his resignation as chief exec of Luka Koper and appointed Marjan Babic as provisional director general, Bruno Korelic said that Babic was a good choice as he would successfully lead the port operator through future market challenges.
"The appointment of Marjan Babic is not just a provisional solution," the long-serving manager told the press on Tuesday as he handed over to Babic, so far his deputy responsible for finance.
On the occasion, Babic responded to some supervisors voicing opposition to the planned expansion of the port. He said that the most optimal development of the port was in the interest of the supervisory board.
However, the fact that some of the company's top officials disagree with the construction of a third terminal will help resolve outstanding issues related to this topic at the highest level, Babic said.
Meanwhile, a report in Tuesday's edition of daily Delo quoted Babic as saying that the third terminal was "definitely required for Luka's future development".
"This facility will have to be secured; if we fail to do this, the competition will take advantage of this and it would not benefit the company or the economy."
"The trail blazed by Korelic is not wrong, but environmental issues will have to be tackled. I am confident a proper solution will be found," Babic was cited by Delo.
Delo also quotes Marko Starman, who following his appointment as the head of the supervisory board said that the supervisors would meet after the shareholders meeting on Thursday to adopt a notice for applications to appoint a new management.
The shareholders meeting is due to discuss changes to the company's articles of association under which the incumbent one-man management team will expand to four members.
According to the Delo report, Babic said that he would apply for the post of chairman of the management board.
Bruno Korelic was at the helm of what is one of the most successful Slovenian companies for more than 20 years.
He resigned earlier this month, just a few days after the general meeting replaced five out of nine supervisory board members representing shareholders. The state holds 51% of Luka Koper.