Duane Grantham

Duane Grantham possesses more than 25 years of leadership experience and in-depth knowledge of ocean transportation, terminal operations, warehouse functions, management, global sales, and marketing. After graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration, Grantham accepted a position as European Division Account Manager with United States Lines, a transatlantic shipping company. After serving in this role for three years, Duane Grantham became African Division District Sales Manager, in which capacity he launched a new service in the Southeastern U.S., sought out new business opportunities, and strengthened customer relations. Grantham later earned a promotion to African Division Regional Sales Manager, a role he served in until 1985, when he earned the title of South American Divisional Sales Manager. In this final role with the company, Duane Grantham increased the firm’s market share by designing and executing new marketing and sales tactics.

Duane Grantham later accepted a position with the South Carolina State Ports Authority, serving as the Director of Marketing and Sales for 10 years. In this position, he helped the Charleston-based company surpass Baltimore, Norfolk, and Savannah to become the second-largest container port on the East Coast. Additionally, Duane Grantham redesigned the sales and marketing teams to promote the company to modern steamship operations, a tactic that allowed the South Carolina State Ports Authority to sign contracts with 90 percent of the major global steamship lines. Grantham coordinated six offices, both in the U.S. and abroad, and established a hub in London to increase access to Scandinavia. In 1996, Duane Grantham became the Executive Vice President and CEO for the South Carolina State Ports Authority with responsibilities over all aspects of the port’s management including Finance, Engineering, Operations, Sales and Information Technology.

In 2000, Duane Grantham joined the fledging company Charleston International Ports and helped install the operational structure. He additionally guided terminal operations, customer acquisitions, and marketing campaigns. Grantham reversed operating losses by securing a contract with a bridge builder at the beginning of new $800 million Cooper River Bridge project and a multi-year contract with Charleston’s largest tug-boat company, despite the fact that both businesses were already partnered with his company’s competitors.