Asciano has restructured its Patrick ports division, resulting in a significant reshuffle of its executive team.

The Patrick business comprises a containers and terminals arm, a ports and stevedoring unit and an automotive transport division.

These three business parts will be dismantled so they can be positioned more strategically within the Asciano group, the company said on Wednesday.

As a result, the divisional manager of Patrick, Paul Garaty, will leave, Asciano said.

The company also announced the departure of the director of its Pacific National Rail business, Chris Keast, after two and a half years with the company.

Mr Keast decided to leave but will remain until September to ensure a smooth handover, Asciano said.

As part of the restructure, divisional general manager of terminals and logistics Alistair Field has been appointed to the newly created role of director of terminals and logistics.

He will report directly to Asciano chief executive John Mullen and will join the company’s senior leadership team.

Philip Tonks and Alex Milan will continue in their current roles as general manager of ports and stevedoring and general manager of autocare, respectively.

In another change, former UGL chief operating officer Murray Vitlich has joined Asciano in a newly created role of director of strategy and business development.

“I am pleased that we are starting this new year with a strengthened leadership team and am confident that our structure, going forward, positions us well to deliver against our strategic objectives,” Mr Mullen said in a statement.

Asciano’s shares closed steady at $4.73.