WILLIAM S. DAVIS III

Maritime Operations Executive / Commercial Development / Technology Implementation

Chesapeake, VA | +1 (657) 477-0436 | wsd@oceandatum.ai

Executive Summary

Senior operations executive with 30 years of progressive leadership experience in maritime logistics, supply chain optimization, and terminal development. Deep operational expertise in cargo handling, vessel operations, and port coordination combined with proven ability to establish new markets, integrate acquisitions, and deploy enterprise technology. Track record includes merger of 3 ship agency businesses and establishing 9 port offices across U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast, leading successful M&A integrations with high customer retention, and supporting terminal development projects representing significant infrastructure investments. Expert in leveraging data analytics, geospatial systems, and enterprise technology to transform traditional maritime operations.


Core Competencies

  • Executive P&L Leadership (multi-location operations)
  • Business Development & Market Expansion
  • M&A Integration & Change Management
  • Supply Chain Strategy & Optimization
  • Terminal & Infrastructure Development
  • Enterprise Systems (ERP/CRM) Implementation
  • Data Analytics & Geospatial Intelligence
  • Multi-Site Operations Management

Professional Experience

T. PARKER HOST, INC. | Norfolk, VA

Vice President & Business Development | October 2016 – May 2025

Also served as Head of Agency (November 2018 – February 2021)

Executive Leadership & P&L Responsibility

  • Led 15-location ship agency division with 110+ employees handling 4,200+ annual port calls across US Atlantic and Gulf Coasts (New York to Brownsville, TX)
  • Full P&L accountability for multi-location maritime services operation with ~$800 million in port expenses receivables
  • Served on executive committee driving corporate strategy and business development initiatives
  • Directed operational excellence across geographically dispersed organization

Commercial & Business Development Achievements

  • Expanded customer base including major commodity traders (Glencore, Vitol, Cargill) across grain, petcoke, oil, gas, and breakbulk trades
  • Built and maintained relationships with terminal operators, pilots, port authorities, and shipping lines across 15 US ports
  • Established performance metrics and KPIs resulting in measurable operational efficiency improvements
  • Developed crisis management protocols maintaining service continuity during COVID-19 pandemic without business or customer loss

Technology & Systems Leadership

  • Led digital transformation implementing NetSuite ERP and CRM systems for 100+ users
  • Replaced legacy systems with integrated platforms improving data visibility and operational efficiency
  • Deployed proprietary geospatial tracking systems for vessel monitoring and analytics
  • Implemented KYC due diligence platforms for compliance and regulatory requirements

M&A Leadership & Integration

  • Directed integration of three ship agency acquisitions (Barwil Agencies merger 2017)
  • Established 9 new port offices (Savannah, Jacksonville, Charleston, Mobile, Gulfport, New Orleans, Brownsville, Houston, Freeport)
  • Maintained 95%+ customer retention across all acquisitions through focused transition management
  • Integrated operations, systems, and teams across geographically dispersed locations

WILHELMSEN SHIP SERVICES | Norfolk, VA

Operations Manager – Mississippi River | December 1999 – October 2016

Regional Operations & Crisis Management

  • Managed ship agency operations across Mississippi River and Gulf Coast ports handling 400+ annual port calls
  • Led Hurricane Katrina response (2005) coordinating vessel operations during and after the disaster—maintained service continuity and customer relationships
  • Established operations in new ports including Hampton Roads (first coal nomination on US East Coast), Baltimore, and Philadelphia
  • Developed crisis management protocols and maintained operations during major disruptions

Commercial Development & Market Expansion

  • Expanded customer base across commodity trades (grain, petcoke, coal, oil, breakbulk)
  • Built relationships with terminal operators, pilots, port authorities, and shipping lines
  • Supported terminal development projects and infrastructure investments
  • Developed performance metrics driving operational improvements

Systems & Process Innovation

  • Early adopter of digital cameras and data systems for enhanced operational transparency
  • Developed proforma and berth sheets with photos and maps improving customer communications
  • Implemented tracking systems and analytics for vessel operations

T. PARKER HOST, INC. | Baltimore, MD

Port Agent | November 1995 – December 1999

  • Managed ship agency operations in Baltimore handling diverse cargo types and vessel operations
  • Coordinated with stevedores, terminal operators, customs officials, and ship’s masters
  • Handled disbursement accounting and proforma estimation for entry-level employees
  • Gained foundational expertise in commercial business operations and customer service

Military Service

UNITED STATES ARMY | Fort Campbell, KY

Infantryman, 101st Airborne Division | 1993 – 1995

  • Served in long-range surveillance unit at Fort Campbell, Kentucky
  • Developed discipline, attention to detail, and crisis management skills
  • Honorable discharge with valuable leadership and team coordination experience

Education & Professional Development

Professional Certifications & Training:

  • Diploma in Ship Agency — Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ASBA), 2021
  • Maritime Arbitration — Society of Maritime Arbitrators, 2021
  • Maritime Law Certification — ASBA, 2017
  • Commercial Trade Transactions — ASBA, 2016
  • Basic Principles of Chartering — ASBA, 2014
  • Maritime Transportation of Chemicals & LPG — Tank Assist BV, 2015
  • Leadership Development Program — Center for Creative Leadership, 2013

Academic Background:

  • First Colonial High School, Virginia Beach, VA
  • Extensive business management and commercial development training through industry associations

Professional Affiliations

  • Society of Maritime Arbitrators (Member, 2021)
  • Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (Member, 2014)
  • Propeller Club of the United States (Member, 2002)
  • Hampton Roads Shipping Association (Member, 2002)
  • Virginia Maritime Association (Member, 2012)
  • Port of New Orleans (Member, 2002)

Additional Information

Technical Proficiencies: NetSuite ERP/CRM, Oracle NetSuite, geospatial tracking systems, data analytics platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, maritime operational software, KYC compliance platforms

Publications & Thought Leadership: Authored extensive professional library covering ship agency operations, chartering, maritime law, commodity trading, supply chain management, and specialized industry literature spanning 779 works

Personal Interests: Wood turning, vintage machining, maritime history, live music.