- Keith Wilks appointed new CEO of Southern Ports Authority
Ports Minister Rita Saffioti has announced Keith Wilks as the new CEO of Southern Ports Authority.
Mr Wilks will take over from retiring CEO Steve Lewis on 1 May 2023.
Mr Wilks brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent more than 27 years in the ports and maritime sectors.
He has been the Chief Operating Officer at Southern Ports Authority since January 2020 and has previously held senior roles at the Port of Newcastle and Svitzer.
Southern Ports include Albany, Bunbury and Esperance ports and had a combined facilitated trade of more than 36 million tonnes in the 2022 financial year.
As stated by Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I congratulate Keith Wilks on his appointment as CEO of Southern Ports Authority.
"Mr Wilks brings valuable operational experience in leading complex port operations and proven strategic and leadership skills to the role.
"Mr Wilks' considerable expertise positions him well to lead Southern Ports Authority during this period of sustained growth, which also includes a record $59 million asset renewal program that will build and create future opportunities for Western Australia.
"Southern Ports Authority has a vital role in gearing our State for trade and investment and I look forward to working closely with Mr Wilks to realise this potential.
"I would also like to thank Steve Lewis for leading Southern Ports Authority for the past four years, particularly his achievements in building the capacity and capability of our ports and the adoption of emerging technologies."
