Stephen A. Edwards named new Hornblower Group CEO

Stephen A. Edwards [Photo: LinkedIn]

Hornblower Group reports that Stephen A. Edwards has been appointed as its chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed Mike Flaskey, who will transition to a senior advisor role for Hornblower and its majority owner, Strategic Value Partners, at that time.

Edwards joins Hornblower from the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), where he has served as CEO and executive director since January 2021. Under his leadership, the port completed its $1.4 billion capital investment program on time and on budget, while growing volumes, revenues, earnings, and man hours. During his tenure, the port helped attract a record amount of port-centric industrial development to Virginia and renegotiated the lease for the Virginia International Gateway container terminal.

Prior to leading the VPA, Edwards served in chief executive roles at TraPac, a container terminal operator in the ports of Los Angeles and Oakland; Global Container Terminals, the largest majority Canadian-owned terminal operator; and Ports America.

“Hornblower Group is known for partnering with local and national authorities to provide water transportation services to North America’s leading public attractions and commuter routes,” said Edwards. “I am eager to begin working with its talented team to build on this legacy, enhance operations, facilitate innovation, and deliver extraordinary service to our guests and communities.”

“Stephen Edwards is an exceptional leader, known for his commitment to continuous improvement of commercial and operational performance,” said David Geenberg, head of corporate investments, North America at SVP and a member of Hornblower’s Board of Directors. “He is well positioned to lead Hornblower as it continues to build upon its franchise as the leading water transportation infrastructure provider in North America. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mike for his contributions over the past 18 months and for positioning Hornblower for continued success.”