A local business leader has claimed the top spot at recently privatised Newcastle Port, where the bulk of northern NSW’s railed coal goes to be exported.
The Port of Newcastle has announced that Geoff Crowe is to be its new chief executive officer, commencing next month.
Crowe is currently the chief financial officer and company secretary at Port Waratah Coal Services, which operates two coal terminals at the same port.
He was a director of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain and has extensive experience in the Hunter region’s mining sector.
The port of Newcastle says it welcomes this experience and it is an asset to the port and the broader industry.
The port said Crowe will lead an 89-strong team delivering services including vessel scheduling, dredging and surveys, trade and business development, and the management of 792 hectares of port land.
“Like many Novocastrians, as a user of the port and a community member, I have always had an interest in the port,” Crowe said.
“I have a special interest in seeing the port not only continue to improve its efficiency with existing trades including coal but also grow and attract new trades, recognising that the port contributes to the prosperity of our region.”
Port of Newcastle’s inaugural CEO, Jeff Coleman, has returned to Hastings Funds Management after transitioning the business to private ownership.
The port said it appreciated his contribution, as well as that of its chief financial officer and acting CEO during the interim period, Simon Gelder.
Port of Newcastle holds a 98-year lease from the NSW government.
It commenced in May 2014 and its shareholders, The Infrastructure Fund (managed by Hastings Funds Management) and China Merchants Group each own 50%.