Roger Johnston was today appointed new chief executive officer of the Port Hedland Port Authority.
Making the announcement, transport minister Troy Buswell said Mr Johnston would bring significant experience to the role with his background in contract management, transport, construction and marketing.
“Mr Johnston has worked in executive roles for more than 20 years, most recently with Boral Construction as regional general manager WA and national general manager of logistics,” Mr Buswell said.
Mr Johnston’s appointment is for three years, starting January 3, 2012.
The appointment comes after Kenneth Pettit was appointed as new chair of the port authority board in August.
Mr Buswell said Port Hedland was Australia’s busiest port by tonnage and an important gateway for international trade and exports from the Pilbara region.
“This is an exciting and challenging time with the PHPA forecasting unprecedented growth to meet global demand for iron ore,” he said.
“Mr Johnston’s priority will be to manage the port’s growth and the many associated expansion projects, including the ongoing development of the new Utah Point multi-user export facility.”
Mr Buswell did not shed any light on a major review of the state's port authorities, which had led to speculation there may be a series of amalgamations.
Mr Johnston's appointment followed last year's unexpected exit of formr CEO Andre Bush and the later resignation of former chairman Ian Williams.
It comes as Port Hedland continues a period of rapid expansion, with the Utah Point berth being commissioned this year and early works commencing on the planned South West Creeek berths for Hancock Prospecting and the jointly-owned North West Infrastructure.
