New Pilbara Port Authority boss announced

Former Perth Airport boss Brad Geatches has been named as the man to take over as chairperson of the Pilbara Port Authority.

Mr Geatches replaces Ken Pettit, who served in the position for eight years.

Mr Geatches other accolades include a five-year stint as chief executive of the Cairns Port Authority and working as director of Brisbane Airport Corporation.

He said he was thrilled the Government had seen fit to hire him as overseer of such a crucial authority and it would be business as usual for the PPA.

“WA is a wonderful place but it is just so important to the nation as a whole and I feel privileged to be involved,” he said.

“I’m only five days into the role but my sense is that the organisation is incredibly well run and it has presented to me as very capable.”

Mr Geatches will be based in Perth and travel up to the Pilbara several times a month.

Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced the appointment of Mr Geatches and said it was vital the PPA had strong leadership.

“Brad has worked in ports, mining and aviation: he brings a wealth of commercial experience to the table, and will ensure the Pilbara ports continue to deliver for our resources sectors and the State,” she said.

Mr Geatches said the key was that the PPA would “at no stage constrain the aspirations of the region”.

“We see ourselves very much as an enabler and we’ve got to be there when the community and customers need us.”

PPA oversee the world’s largest bulk export port in Port Hedland, and combined with Dampier and Ashburton, is responsible for safety getting up to $83 billion worth of goods out of the region.