The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has hired Robert G. "Bob" Reinecke to the newly created position of Vice President, Global Account Sales. As such, he will lead Midwest sales and additional business development efforts for South Carolina's public ports system.

Reinecke reports to Paul McClintock, Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and is based in the Chicago, Ill. area.

"Bob's broad experience in the industry will be a tremendous asset to the South Carolina Ports Authority as we work to grow our Midwest presence," said Jim Newsome, President & CEO of the SCPA. "This market is strategically important as we continue to expand exports and capitalize on Charleston's deep water. We are pleased to welcome Bob to our organization."

Reinecke brings to the SCPA nearly 30 years of experience in the shipping industry, with expertise in the retail and agricultural sectors. Most recently, he was Director of Midwest Sales for Hanjin Shipping, where he was responsible for a 14-state region and team of sales executives. Prior to that, he served as the President and General Manager for an agricultural-based NVOCC, assisting Midwest companies export to foreign markets.

The majority of his career was spent at CP Ships in various management roles across the company's brands. Reinecke later worked at Hapag-Lloyd, which acquired CP Ships in 2005.

Reinecke earned a bachelor's degree in business from Western Illinois University. He is a member of several trade organizations in the Midwest and serves on the advisory panel for the United States Soybean Export Council.