VANCOUVER — As Westport Innovations’ largest procurement for LNG trucks at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach edges to completion, the alternative engine maker’s COO will move into an advisory role and a new CFO is appointed.

Michael Gallagher, president and COO of Westport, will transition to a new role as Senior Adviser. Gallagher, who has focused his recent efforts around building up the fleet of natural gas trucks at the ports, will continue to focus on senior international relationships in government and industry including industry boards and associations.

“It has been an honour and a privilege serving as Westport’s president and COO these past seven years; I have enjoyed building our LNG trucking business at the ports over the last four years, and I will continue to advocate for the importance of replacing oil-based trucks with clean, low-emission trucks running on natural gas,” said Gallagher. “As senior adviser, I will look to expand Westport’s important high-level energy and environmental relationships around the world, and articulate the capabilities of natural gas vehicles and their positive characteristics including energy security, high performance, lower carbon emissions, and cheaper fuel in comparison to diesel.”

As part of a retirement transition plan, Gallagher will continue as chairman of the board of Cummins Westport Inc., and as a member of the board of directors of Westport.

As well, Bill Larkin was named as CFO of Westport effective Feb. 15.

Prior to joining Westport, Larkin served as CFO of Fuel Systems Solutions from May 2008 to May 2009, and corporate controller and chief accounting officer of FSYS from November 2006 to May 2008.

Elaine Wong, Westport’s CFO since 2003, will become executive vice-president of strategic development, focusing on strategic growth and investment opportunities and organizational effectiveness and transformation.

In addition, Darren Seed has been promoted to the position of vice-president of investor relations and communications, to build Westport’s recognition as a global leader in alternative fuel technology and natural gas products in the investment community and automotive and energy sectors.