Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan has today announced the appointment of Brad Geatches to chair the Pilbara Ports Authority.
Mr Geatches brings significant commercial experience to the role, in which he will oversee the world’s largest bulk export port authority.
He served as chief executive officer at the Cairns Port Authority from 2002 to 2007, before becoming chief executive officer at Perth Airport from 2007 to 2016.
Mr Geatches has also worked as chief executive officer at coal mining company Powercoal.
The Pilbara Ports Authority is a significant contributor to the local and State Government economies. In 2017-18, the value of commodities handled through PPA’s ports was approximately $83 billion.
Ms MacTiernan thanked outgoing chairperson Ken Pettit for his service at the Pilbara Ports Authority.
As stated by Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Pilbara ports bring in a considerable part of our State’s wealth – about $228 million of exports go through the ports of Port Hedland, Dampier and Ashburton every day, and it is critical that we continue to have strong leadership at the Ports Authority.
“Brad has worked in ports, mining and aviation: he brings a wealth of commercial experience to the table, and will ensure the Pilbara ports continue to deliver for our resources sectors and the State.
“I’d like to thank Ken Pettit for his service as chairperson of the Pilbara Ports Authority, in particular for overseeing the amalgamation of the region’s port authorities.”
