Metro Ports, a holding of Nautilus International Holding Corp., recently announced the promotion of Brian Johnson to vice president of business development from director of strategic analysis and contracts.

In his new position, Johnson will focus mainly on the U.S. West Coast, playing a key leadership role in identifying new business development opportunities, ranging from individual accounts to mergers & acquisitions; marketing various Nautilus companies to facilitate effective operating solutions for customers' needs; executing new business transactions; and maintaining client relationships.

Johnson first joined Metropolitan Stevedore Co. in 1998 in the environmental and safety department, leaving later to pursue his MBA. Following subsequent positions consulting for Deloitte & Touche and as director of business solutions for New Century Financial Corp., he returned to Metro in 2007.

In his new position, Johnson will report to Metro Ports President James Dillman.

"Brian's promotion is well deserved of an individual that is dedicated and hard working," said Dillman. "His promotion will allow Metro Ports to provide a concentrated service level to our customers, as well as the opportunity for further expansion."