Peter O’Malley Reps Domino Sugar, One of Port’s Most Iconic Names
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By DERON SNYDER (as published by Port of Baltimore Magazine)
Peter O’Malley’s name often rings a bell and his face seems familiar to people as he journeys around the city and elsewhere. That’s not surprising when one of your five siblings once served as Baltimore’s mayor and Maryland’s governor.
O’Malley has spent time in government as a Chief of Staff, first for Baltimore County (2007-2010) and then Baltimore City (2011-2012). But neither position had a visceral connection to the Port of Baltimore like his current job — Vice President for Corporate Relations at ASR Group, which owns Domino Sugar.
“Dominio Sugar was established here over 103 years ago and we’re the Port’s leading bulk importer,” said O’Malley, who joined the company in 2014. “We’ve been at it for a long time and most recognize us for our big sign, which is iconic. It’s a sign that the Port is still working.”
Earlier in his career, he once lived a few blocks from the refinery and enjoyed a clear view of the landmark. He’d see sugar boats come and go, but he never realized the extent of what they represented: all the various jobs and assorted products. At ASR Group, he felt the sign’s impact right away, especially when brides called to request repairs so their reception pictures wouldn’t feature unlit letters in the background.
He was at the center of media coverage in 2021 when the 70-year-old sign was replaced and its lore grew. “People have been very pleased,” O’Malley said. “But one person said, ‘Without some of the letters being out, it doesn’t have the same character.’ So, you can’t please everybody.”
Learning on the Job
O’Malley’s previous jobs as a government official, a lawyer and a political organizer gave him great experiences for his current role, where he’s a valuable member of the larger Port community. He came from Venable, LLP, Maryland’s largest law firm, where he worked on land use and government relations for clients that included Domino Sugar.
“That was my introduction to this huge port community that often goes unnoticed because it’s behind an 8-foot fence,” he said. “I really got to know the people at Domino Sugar and was attracted because of their quality and their commitment to providing great jobs to the people of Baltimore. And the pride they had in their brand — something made in Baltimore for more than 100 years.”
He represented a few other Port-related businesses besides ASR Group, but now enjoys a deeper appreciation of their intricate nature. It’s part of his job in dealing with communities and government officials where his employer — the world’s largest marketer and refiner of cane sugar — has operations. He also handles external communications and employee communications that include about 600 employees at Domino Sugar Baltimore.
“We have 16 packaging lines producing more than 40 different products here that we ship out on trucks and by rail,” he said. “We have about 42 ships bringing in around 800,000 tons of sugar a year. So, it is a busy place, not just for the jobs we provide, but all the other direct jobs from our presence here. It’s been fun getting to know not only Domino Sugar but what goes on across the entire Port of Baltimore.”
Helping Others Learn
O’Malley has a seat on the Baltimore Industrial Group, which advocates on behalf of marine terminal operators, manufacturers and other Port-related businesses. They work on education initiatives to lawmakers, policymakers and community leaders, while also monitoring legislation that affects the Port’s infrastructure and ability to remain competitive.
“We all recognize the need to to do more education and outreach to folks who don’t know the Port that well,” he said. “It’s been great to work with the Maryland Port Administration. Whether it’s a public terminal or a private terminal, we’re all part of the Port. Thankfully, that’s the way the MPA views it also.”
O’Malley helps collaborate on tours for elected officials, business leaders and community leaders, giving them an inside view of Port operations. He’s also been invited to speak at MPA events — at the terminal and on the water — that aim to promote better understanding.
“It’s really been a great partnership in teaching people about the Port and all the benefits that come from it,” he said.
