The head of the Patrick ports and stevedoring business Paul Garaty has resigned and will leave the company in early 2012.

Patrick’s owner Asciano said the ports business had achieved significant improvements in performance in the last 18 months under Mr Garaty’s leadership.

“Given the depth of the senior management team in the the ports division, we are confident this performance will continue and that it will be business as usual with our customers and stakeholders,” Asciano chief executive John Mullen said in a statement on Monday.

Mr Garaty would stay on for the remainder of 2011 to ensure Patrick meets important milestones, Mr Mullen said.

He also would be available to Asciano after his employment ends for advice and support.

A search is underway for a replacement, with internal and external candidates to be considered.