THE AURIGA Group has secured experienced port and marine executive Dr Rochelle MacDonald as its new Managing Director – Maritime.
“Rochelle is an experienced executive who has held senior roles in both the ports and maritime sectors over the past 20 years, including that of CEO, EGM & GM. Rochelle holds a Degree in Environmental Engineering and Geology, a Master’s of Engineering Project Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy,” Auriga said.
“Rochelle is very experienced and qualified for the position of Managing Director – Maritime, having worked most of her career across the regional centres and ports of where we currently operate. Rochelle has managed pilot teams, launch/tug crews, ports and various maritime assets across regional Australia. Rochelle will lead all of the Auriga Group maritime activities across Australia, which involves over 300 team members who perform all our marine and pilotage operations nationally.
Most recently Dr MacDonald was executive general manager operations at Squadron Energy, Andrew Forrest [Fortescue]’s renewables company whose projects include the Port Kembla Energy Terminal. She was with Squadron from June 2022 until November last year.
Her careers in the ports and maritime sector began at the Dampier Ports Authority (now part of Pilbara Ports) where she was Director of Strategy & Development from Director of Strategy & Development April 2005 -January 2016.
Between January 2016 and June 2018 Dr MacDonald was General Manager – Engineering and Development / Acting CEO at North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. In August 2018 she was appointed CEO of the Mid West Port Authority, based in Geraldton.
Dr MacDonald was announced as CEO of northern Australia-focused shipping company Sea Swift in February 2021 but departed 12 months later “to pursue other interests and opportunities”.
Auriga said “Rochelle was selected after an extensive six-month market search both domestically and internationally.”
