Terry Ponting was a major part of the harbour’s regeneration and development over the past 24 years.
He will be become vice-president of the commissioners.
Celia McKenzie, chief executive of the commissioners, thanked Mr Ponting for his contribution to the area.
She said: “He was initially appointed as chief executive of the newly formed Whitehaven Development Company in December 1993, to deliver the business plan to rejuvenate the land around the harbour and rebuild the business fortunes of the port itself.
“One of his main legacies is the installation of the sealock, which has radically reduced the periodic flooding of the town.’’
Mr Ponting, who became chairman in 2009, will be succeeded as chair by Madonna Adams who has been vice-chairman since 2015.
Welcoming Ms Adams to her new role, Mrs McKenzie said: “She has degrees in commerce and law, qualifying as a barrister in her native Queensland.
“She has worked as a solicitor in Australia, Hong Kong and England, and since moving to West Cumbria has been very active in the voluntary sector.’’
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