SOUTHERN Ports Authority will welcome a new chief executive officer in May.
Ports minister Rita Saffioti has announced Keith Wilks will step into the role of CEO on 1 May 2023.
Mr Wilks will take over from current CEO Steve Lewis, who is retiring. Mr Lewis has been in the role since January 2019.
Ms Saffioti congratulated Mr Wilks on his appointment.
“Mr Wilks brings valuable operational experience in leading complex port operations and proven strategic and leadership skills to the role,” she said.
Mr Wilks has spent more than 27 years in the ports and maritime sectors, according to Ms Saffioti.
He has been the chief operating officer at Southern Ports since January 2020 and has previously held senior roles at Port of Newcastle and Svitzer.
“Mr Wilks’ considerable expertise positions him well to lead Southern Ports Authority during this period of sustained growth, which also includes a record $59 million asset renewal program that will build and create future opportunities for Western Australia,” Ms Saffioti said.
She noted the southern ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance had a combined facilitated trade of more than 36 million tonnes in the 2022 financial year.
“Southern Ports Authority has a vital role in gearing our state for trade and investment and I look forward to working closely with Mr Wilks to realise this potential.
“I would also like to thank Steve Lewis for leading Southern Ports Authority for the past four years, particularly his achievements in building the capacity and capability of our ports and the adoption of emerging technologies.”
