The state government has announced the new chief executive officer for Southern Ports Authority.
Port executive Steve Lewis has been appointed to the role effective from January 14 this year.
The Board of Southern Ports announced the resignation of previous-chief executive officer Nicolas Fertin on June 12.
The announcement came just one day before Cleveland-Cliffs announced the sale of their Koolyanobbing mining operation to Mineral Resources Limited.
Mr Lewis comes to Southern Ports from his role as the acting chief executive at Mid-West Ports Authority and has 15 years of experience as a chief executive officer at ports.
The role will see him have oversight of ports at Albany, Bunbury and Esperance.
Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Mr Lewis was one of Australia’s most experienced port chief executives with strong experience leading large complex ports and a proven track record in building relationships with port users.
“Steve has a long history in regional WA having previously worked at Dampier Port Authority, where he was instrumental in growing the port’s base turnover from $3.5 million in 2003 to $86.4 million in June 2014,” she said.
“Steve’s appointment marks a new beginning for Southern Ports after what has been a difficult period for the organisation.”