Lewis to lead Southern Ports

Steven Lewis has been appointed chief executive at Southern Ports, effective January 14.

Mr Lewis most recently worked as the interim chief executive at Geraldton’s Mid West Ports Authority from April to October last year.

He has more than 20 years' experience as a chief executive, including 11 years leading the Dampier Port Authority and three and a half years at North Queensland Bulk Ports.

As Southern Ports chief, Mr Lewis will be responsible for ports in Albany, Bunbury and Esperance.

These ports have a combined annual trade exceeding 33 million tonnes, key trades including iron ore, alumina and grain.

Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Mr Lewis’s appointment marked a new beginning for Southern Ports after what had been a difficult period for the organisation.

“Steve Lewis is one of Australia’s most experienced port chief executives, with strong experience leading large complex ports and a proven track record in building relationships with port users,” she said.

“He was instrumental in growing Dampier Port Authority’s base turnover from $3.5 million in 2003 to $86.4 million in June 2014.”

In 2018, Southern Ports was hit by allegations of a toxic workplace culture, with employee claims that more than 20 staff had left the organisation as a direct result of bullying.