Port of Newcastle’s Board has announced the appointment of Geoff Crowe as Chief Executive Officer.
The Board said that Geoff has extensive experience in the Hunter region’s coal mining sector, which will be an asset to Port of Newcastle and the broader industry.
Geoff is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at Port Waratah Coal Services, which operates two coal terminals within the port, and was a Director of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator. Previously, Geoff held senior management roles with a number of mining companies.
Geoff will join Port of Newcastle in July. As CEO, Geoff will lead an experienced, local team comprising 89 staff who deliver a range of services for the port, including vessel scheduling, dredging and survey, trade and business development, and the management of 792 hectares of port land.
“Like many Novocastrians, and as a user of the port and a community member, I have always had an interest in the port,” Geoff said.
“I grew up in Newcastle and my wife and I decided a long time ago to raise our family here. I have a special interest in seeing the port not only continue to improve its efficiency with existing trades including coal but also grow and attract new trades, recognising that the port contributes to the prosperity of our region.”
“I am looking forward to joining the team at Port of Newcastle and the opportunity it represents.”
The Board also recognised the contribution of Port of Newcastle’s inaugural CEO, Jeff Coleman, who has returned to Hastings Funds Management after successfully transitioning the business to private ownership, and Simon Gelder, Chief Financial Officer, and Acting CEO during the interim period.
Port of Newcastle holds a 98-year lease with the NSW Government, which commenced on 30 May 2014. Its shareholders, The Infrastructure Fund (managed by Hastings Funds Management) and China Merchants Group, each own 50 per cent. The Infrastructure Fund’s investors include industry superannuation funds representing nearly two million members Australia-wide.
