Australia: New CEO to Oversee Port of Hastings Development

Former Australian Defence Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Mike Lean, will lead the development and expansion of Victoria’s second international container port, Port of Hastings Development Authority (PoHDA) Chair, Yehudi Blacher, announced today.

Mr Blacher said Mr Lean’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer came at a critical time for PoHDA, as planning for the expansion of the port over the next 10 to 15 years gathers pace.

“Mr Lean brings a wealth of project and delivery management expertise to PoHDA, along with unparalleled leadership experience that will serve the Authority well in this next critical phase in the evolution of the port.

“Mr Lean’s appointment follows an outstanding career in the public and private sectors, including as Commander of the Australian Battalion VII in East Timor, senior roles with Tenix Defence and most recently as Head of Project Management & Business Governance (Maritime) with BAE Systems,” Mr Blacher said.

“On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Mr Lean to PoHDA and we look forward to working with him to deliver on the Authority’s mandate to establish the Port of Hastings as Victoria’s second international container port.”

Mr Lean commences with the PoDHA on 18 February 2013

Minister for Ports, Denis Napthine said fast-tracking the development of the Port of Hastings was a key priority for the Baillieu Government.

“Victoria’s freight task is expected to massively increase by 2035 so we are taking action now to safeguard this industry and securing the economic future of Victoria.

“Mr Lean has enjoyed a distinguished and highly commended career. His appointment further bolsters the significant port and project development experience of the PoHDA Board and is another major milestone for the Authority.

“Earlier this month $2.3 million in tenders were awarded for key studies that will provide vital data for the development a business case by the end of 2013,” Dr Napthine said.

Mr Blacher thanked outgoing Acting CEO, Ralph Kenyon, for his leadership and commitment over the last year since the PoHDA was established on January 1, 2012.

“Since PoHDA was established a little over a year ago, Ralph has overseen the smooth transition of the Authority and laid the foundations that will underpin planning for the development and expansion of the port in the future.

“The Board has very much valued Ralph’s hard work, dedication and commitment to the Port of Hastings and we wish him well for the future.”

Mr Blacher said that Mr Kenyon would work closely with Mr Lean to enable a smooth transition.

The Port of Hastings Development Authority was created at the beginning of 2012 to facilitate development of the Port of Hastings to increase capacity and competition in the container ports sector servicing Melbourne and Victoria. The Authority is a government owned entity established under the Transport Integration Act 2010.

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Press Release, February 12, 2013