After several months as the organisation’s interim chief, Marika Calfas has been formally announced as the CEO of NSW Ports.
NSW Ports, which owns and operates Port Botany and Port Kembla, announced the appointment on December 21.
“The board is delighted to appoint Marika to the position of chief executive officer,” NSW Ports chairman Paul McClintock said.
“Marika has demonstrated that she possesses the experience, qualities and capabilities required to successfully lead the business. We look forward to working with her to deliver on the organisation’s objectives.”
After a global executive search, McClintock said the board decided the best candidate was the one right in front of it.
“Marika has impressed the board during her period as interim CEO,” he said. “Marika has a comprehensive knowledge of the business having been a part of the NSW Ports executive team since 2013, and came to NSW Ports with 12 years’ experience at Sydney Ports Corporation.”
Prior to her work at Sydney Ports, Calfas worked at Sinclair Knight Merz.
“I am passionate about NSW’s port gateways and freight supply chains, and the vital role they play in supporting business and consumer needs,” Calfas said.
“Ensuring they continue to grow and operate efficiently and sustainably is essential. In my capacity as CEO, I look forward to continuing to engage with our many stakeholders and working with my colleagues at NSW Ports to deliver these strategic outcomes.”
Michael Kilgariff, chief executive of the Australian Logistics Council – which recently added Calfas to its board – praised the move by NSW Ports.
“Marika brings a wealth of high level experience to the position,” Kilgariff said.
“Her deep understanding of the long-term challenges and opportunities facing NSW Ports make her the ideal choice to lead the organisation through the next phase of its growth.”
Kilgariff stressed the importance of a number of freight initiatives concerning NSW Ports which are in their planning phases.
“These include an agreement between NSW Ports and Aurizon regarding the future of the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre; Asciano’s new intermodal strategy incorporating an intermodal site at St Mary’s and DP World’s and Toll’s proposed Villawood joint venture.
“They also include the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal in Western Sydney, to be operated by the SIMTA consortium (consisting of Qube and Aurizon), which is making significant progress,” he added.
“With NSW’s freight task set to nearly double by 2031, the logistics industry needs visionary and strategic leaders with a solid understanding of what’s required to meet this growth; and NSW Ports have this in Marika Calfas.”