MID West Ports Authority has appointed a new executive and manager to its leadership team.

MWPA announced on Friday (11 November) Courtney Ackland will soon join the organisation as chief operating officer, and Tony Corbett as trade and commercial manager.

Mr Ackland previously worked as operations and registered manager at Iluka Resources, an international resources company headquartered in Perth. He spent eight years in the role.

The port authority said Mr Ackland has a strong knowledge of shipping and logistics with accountability for Iluka Resources’ Mid West shipping, road haulage and product storage.

MWPA CEO Damian Tully said Mr Ackland would bring knowledge and experience in the minerals and bulk handling industry to the team.

“Courtney possesses strong senior leadership and management skills, has significant strategic planning and asset management experience, in addition to excellent interpersonal skills,” Mr Tully said.

“He will be a valuable addition to our executive team.”

And Mr Corbett, the new trade and commercial manager, has been trade development manager at Port of Newcastle for the past five years.

MWPA said Mr Corbett has around 30 years of experience in ports and logistics sectors, particularly in diversifying product mixes for port operations.

“Tony demonstrated a high level of commercial acumen, analytical skills and significant working knowledge of the shipping and logistics industries, all of which are critical to the success of this role,” Mr Tully said.

“He will provide excellent leadership to the trade and commercial team at a critical time in MWPA’s operations and we look forward to him joining us here at the port.”

Mr Tully said MWPA feels privileged to have secured two high-calibre people to fill the roles.

“The chief operating officer is a newly formed role at MWPA, combining two previous general manager roles to bring landside and marine operations, maintenance, assets and engineering all under the one umbrella, with the aim of providing improved synergy across port operations,” he said.

“With MWPA embarking on the $350 million Port Maximisation Project, this is a significant opportunity for both these positions as we embark on a very exciting future here at the port.”

Mr Corbett is expected to commence in his role on 1 December this year, and Mr Ackland in 2023.