PORT of Melbourne has announced that Leigh Petschel would join the organisation as its new chief financial officer.
Mr Petschel is to join the port in November from Monash University, where he has been chief financial officer and vice-president since mid 2021.
Prior to Monash, Mr Petschel was a general manager and vice-president with Transurban in Australia and North America.
Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said Mr Petschel’s combination of experience was well aligned with the organisation’s priorities.
“Leigh not only has an extensive history in financial and business strategy in infrastructure and regulated sectors, he also brings a focus on innovation and global perspectives,” he said.
“Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, and Leigh will play a pivotal role in retaining and growing that position. His experience in partnering with industry and government will also stand us in good stead, ensuring that we continue to deliver on our stewardship obligations to the State and work constructively with port users.”
Mr Petschel said he was excited to be joining Port of Melbourne.
“Port of Melbourne is a critical part of Australia’s infrastructure and I look forward to contributing to its development,” he said.
Mr Cannon also thanked retiring CFO Darryl Mutzelburg for his significant contribution and leadership.
“Since 2017, Darryl has overseen the transition of the business from government to private ownership including refinancing approximately $5 billion of debt and embedding the unique regulatory framework applicable to Port of Melbourne,” Mr Cannon said.
“Darryl has also been heavily involved in commercial matters including designing and implementing commercial and access arrangements for the Port Rail Transformation Project, negotiating arrangements for the extension of the Webb Dock East berths and renegotiating a number of lease arrangements at the port.”
Mr Petschel joins Port of Melbourne on 13 November 2023.
