As Deputy Executive Director, Lytle is the Port’s No. 2 executive. The position of Deputy has been vacant since Kevin Eldridge left the Port for personal reasons nearly a year ago.

Since September 2006, Lytle has served as a Managing Director, overseeing the Port’s Trade Relations and Port Operations Bureau, which includes the Communications, Trade Relations, Security and Maintenance divisions.

"Chris has decades of maritime industry experience that is extremely valuable to us at the Port of Long Beach," Executive Director Richard D. Steinke said. "In addition, he has experience in heading up our community outreach, security upgrades and Port maintenance programs." 

As a former vice president with the French-based shipping line, CMA CGM, Lytle was responsible for the company’s entire West Coast operations, including significant marine and terminal operations at the Port of Long Beach and similar operations in Oakland, Tacoma and Seattle. He has also held executive positions at P&O Ports North America, Sea-Land Service, Inc. and the Denmark-based APM (Maersk) Terminals.

Lytle holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Central Washington University.