Ports Australia has welcomed the newly elected Chair of its Board of Directors.
Stewart Lammin was announced as the new Chair at Ports Australia following the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Old Parliament House, Canberra.
His election followed the recent retirement of former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of NSW Port Authority, Grant Gilfillan, who has held the position since March of this year.
Mr Lammin has been Chief Executive Officer for Flinders Port Holdings since March of 2018, previously Flinders General Manager for six years and has been involved in the sector for over 35 years.
He said he was excited for the challenge of leading the Ports Australia Board through such important times for the industry.
“With ever-increasing social and political discussion forming around our sector, the voice of Ports Australia will only increase in value,” Mr Lammin said.
“Optimising the efficiency of our nation’s trade, freight and supply chain should be one of Australia’s utmost focuses going forward, and Ports Australia will continue to lead that push.
“The Board will continue to work with management to ensure that Ports Australia’s collective vision for the industry’s future is heard and acted upon.”
Ports Australia’s CEO, Mike Gallacher, said he was confident Mr Lammin’s appointment will ensure the maintenance of strong collaboration between the Board of Directors and management team.
“With over three decades of experience in the sector, as well as being the CEO of a thriving port and coming from the position of Deputy Chair, I have no doubt Stewart is the man for the job,” Mr Gallacher said.
“We’re heading into exciting times of advancements across the sector, and our members can trust they’ll be heading into those times under a strong leadership team.”
Both Mr Gallacher and Mr Lammin paid tribute to retiring Chairman, Grant Gilfillan.
“I want to acknowledge the contribution of outgoing chair, Grant Gilfillan, who invested his time and imparted plenty of wisdom upon both my team and I. Grant has worked around the country, as well as international roles,” Mr Gallacher said.
“His experience and knowledge resulted in him leading the International Association of Ports and Harbours and he continues to lead as Chairman of the Australian Cruise Association. I have no doubt Stewart will fill the big boots he’s stepping into.”
“I have had the good fortune to work with Grant for many years now,” Mr Lammin said.
“He has always been a natural leader within the industry and has driven a strong program within the Port Authority to ensure more women are given the opportunity to perform senior operational roles. Grant has been a true driver of change within the ports sector.”