Mr Bannister moved to the Island in July 2011 after previously working as managing director for Maersk, the world’s largest container ship operator.
He is now due to take on the role of chief executive of Port of Dover – one of the UK’s busiest ports.
During his time in the Island, Mr Bannister oversaw the incorporation of Ports of Jersey in 2015 and the growth of passenger numbers through the Airport to its highest point for the last 17 years.
Mr Bannister said that moving back to the UK was right for both him and his family.
‘We have made such tremendous progress in developing our business and organisation over these past seven years,’ he said.
‘I regret that I will not be directly involved in the continuing success of the company, but I am looking forward to working with another great port operation.
‘Returning to the UK is the right move for me and my family at this time.’
Charles Clarke, chairman of Ports of Jersey, said: ‘We are naturally very sad to be losing a chief executive of Doug’s quality and are grateful for all that he has achieved during his time with Ports of Jersey, but we acknowledge the strength of the opportunity which Port of Dover offers to him.
‘We wish him and his family well in their new environment.’
A spokesman for Ports of Jersey said that a recruitment process involving internal interviews and external searches will now begin.
