Valdis Andersons elected Chairman of the Board of the Freeport of Ventspils

At the beginning of 2026, Valdis Andersons was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Freeport of Ventspils. This appointment took place at the first meeting of the Board, following Andersons’ joining the Freeport Board in December of the previous year as the representative nominated by the Minister for Transport.

New Leadership for Key Latvian Port

Andersons brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of KS Terminal Ltd from July 2024 to December 2025. Prior to that, he was Chairman of the Management Board of EXTRON BALTIC Ltd from April 2020 to July 2024.

Extensive Port Management Background

His background also includes leadership positions within the Riga Port Group, specifically as Chairman of the Management Board of Rīgas Centrālais Termināls Ltd and Riga Container Terminal Ltd. He also gained international experience in Germany, managing port and railway terminals between December 2010 and January 2016.

Did You Know? The Freeport of Ventspils is the second-largest port in Latvia by cargo volume.

Andersons holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Riga Technical University’s Riga Business School, a programme conducted in cooperation with the State University of New York at Buffalo and the University of Ottawa. He also has a higher education diploma in physics and electronics from the University of Latvia.

Deputy Chairman Also Appointed

Alongside Andersons’ appointment, Artūrs Zandersons was elected Deputy Chairman of the Board. Zandersons has been a member of the Freeport of Ventspils Board since February 2024, representing the Ministry of Economics.

Expert Insight: The appointments to the Freeport of Ventspils Board demonstrate a focus on experienced leadership within the port and logistics sectors, potentially signaling a continued emphasis on the port’s role as a key industrial and trade hub for Latvia.

The Freeport of Ventspils Board is the highest decision-making body for the port, overseeing the administration led by the Freeport’s Managing Director. The Law on Ports stipulates that the Board consists of four members, each representing a different Minister—Economics, Finance, Transport, and Smart Administration and Regional Development—and are appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia.

What Could Happen Next

With new leadership in place, the Freeport of Ventspils could see a shift in strategic priorities. The Board will focus on further increasing cargo volumes, as reported in a recent article, or on attracting new investment to the region. The Board’s decisions, guided by the Ministers they represent, may also influence the Freeport’s long-term development plans. Further changes to port operations or infrastructure are also a possibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new Chairman of the Freeport of Ventspils Board?

Valdis Andersons was appointed Chairman of the Board at the first meeting of the Board in 2026.

Who represents the Ministry of Economics on the Freeport of Ventspils Board?

Artūrs Zandersons represents the Ministry of Economics and was elected Deputy Chairman of the Board.

How many members are on the Freeport of Ventspils Board?

According to the Law on Ports, the Port of Ventspils has four board members.

How might these leadership changes impact the future of trade and industry in the Ventspils region?