- Brad Geatches appointed new chair of Southern Ports Authority
- Mr Geatches brings with him more than 30 years of leadership in the mining, aviation, and maritime sectors
- He replaces outgoing chair Ian Shepherd
Ports Minister Stephen Dawson has today announced the appointment of Brad Geatches as chair of Southern Ports for a two-year term, effective 1 July 2026.
Mr Geatches is a highly experienced senior executive and director with more than 30 years of leadership in the mining, aviation, and maritime sectors, including nine years as CEO of Perth Airport during a period of transformative development.
He joins Southern Ports having served on the Pilbara Ports board since 2019, including as chair (2019-24) and deputy chair (since 2024).
Mr Geatches replaces outgoing chair Ian Shepherd, who was appointed on 1 February 2020, and provided leadership through a period of substantial operational growth.
Southern Ports oversees the ports of Albany, Bunbury, and Esperance, playing a key role in facilitating trade and connecting Western Australia's southern regions to global markets
Rounding out the Southern Ports Board leadership is Jane Cutler, who steps into the deputy chair role.
As stated by Ports Minister Stephen Dawson:
"I congratulate Brad and welcome him as chair of Southern Ports.
"I look forward to working closely with Brad as Southern Ports builds on its important contribution to trade, investment, and jobs creation for our State, particularly in the South West through additional capacity building at the Port of Bunbury.
"I would also like to recognise outgoing chair Ian Shepherd, who has provided outstanding leadership through a period of sustained growth and achievement over the past six years, and board members Gaye McMath and Dr Wiebke Ebeling for their contribution."
