Fremantle Ports CEO dies

Fremantle Ports chief executive and former Alcoa Australia chairman Michael Parker has died in his office this morning.

St John Ambulance attended the Fremantle Ports office on Cliff Street about 8.30am Wednesday.

WA Police also attended the scene and have confirmed the death was not suspicious.

A statement released by Fremantle Ports said Mr Parker, 52, was a respected leader who was committed to the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

"Our focus today has been ensuring Michael’s family, his spouse, Wendy, and their four children Ben, Jackson, Sophie and Dan have our full support and our people receive the care and time they require to process this news," the statement read.

"While at the helm of Fremantle Ports, Mr Parker was a dynamic and engaging leader who was extremely well-liked by staff throughout the organisation.

"In three years as CEO, he led an ambitious agenda of change for Fremantle Ports, that included a major capital works program to upgrade port assets and a suite of effective organisational change initiatives directed at ensuring the organisation was prepared for a dynamic future in the decades ahead."

Mr Parker was appointed to Fremantle Ports' top role in 2021 and has been central to overseeing major plans to reshape parts of the 126-year-old port into residential and retail precincts.

In an interview with Business News last year, he reflected of the port's place in the rich social fabric of Fremantle, and its future.

“In much the same way that I can sit and look out the window and see the port in operation, the general public and the local community get to experience the port on a day-to-day basis as well,” Mr Parker said in December.

“There is such a rich history and heritage I think between the port and the local community here.

“Over time, as trade does relocate, it will be important that we maintain some of the history that sits here.

“Everyone seems to have a Fremantle Port story.”

Prior to taking the Fremantle Ports job, Mr Parker served for 25 years at Alcoa, including nearly five years as Alcoa Alumina and Alcoa of Australia's chairman and managing director.

His career at Alcoa included a stint in Tennessee, where he was posted when he was the company's materials management vice president for three years.

Fremantle Ports chairman Chris Sutherland said Mr Parker was a "wonderful father, exceptional leader, and will be sorely missed".

WA Ports Minister David Michael said he was shocked to hear of Mr Parker's death.

“My thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time, as well as to staff at the other State Port Authorities, many of whom knew and worked with Michael over many years," he said.

“Since becoming Minister for Ports last June I have had the privilege of working closely with Michael, who I found to be a loyal, diligent and hard-working chief executive officer. He will be sorely missed.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.