Ports Australia welcomes TasPorts executive as Deputy Chair

Ports Australia has welcomed Tasmanian Ports CEO Anthony Donald as the newest Deputy Chair to the Board of Directors.

Donald joined TasPorts as Chief Operating Officer in early 2016, and in June 2019 was appointed Chief Executive Officer, following eight months in the role of Acting CEO.

Donald has in-depth experience in the maritime, transport and logistics sectors, and holds a degree in civil engineering. Before joining TasPorts, he held a number of senior executive positions at the Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport.

Ports Australia Chair Stewart Lammin, CEO of Flinders Port Holdings, said he is looking forward to working alongside Donald.

“I’m delighted to welcome Anthony Donald as Ports Australia’s newest Deputy Chair, I have no doubt he’ll fill the big boots left after Chris Leatt-Hayter’s retirement from Ports Australia,” Lammin said.

“There’s no shortage of opportunities and challenges facing our sector right now which makes Ports Australia’s direction more important than ever, and I know Anthony will be strong in spearheading that direction along with the rest of the Board,” he continued.

Donald will be joining Marika Calfas (NSW Ports) in the Deputy Chair’s role which is integral to the function of Ports Australia in its member services and advocacy.

In a statement, the organisation also farewelled the outgoing Deputy, Chris Leatt-Hayter, who retired from his role as CEO at Fremantle Ports in late 2020.

“The Ports Australia team have always enjoyed working with Chris Leatt-Hayter… I was lucky to build a strong relationship with Chris over the years as a professional colleague and friend and I can only thank him for his time contributing to the work of Ports Australia,” said Mike Gallacher, CEO, Ports Australia.

Leatt-Hayter has been widely acknowledged by the industry for his two decades of service to Fremantle Ports, 12 of those years he spent in the CEO role and as a Director on Ports Australia’s Board.

Speaking on the importance of Deputy Chair’s role to Ports Australia, Gallacher said the organisation’s advocacy “relies heavily on the wealth of expertise which forms their membership, which is led and driven by the Chair and Deputy Chairs.”

Gallacher also welcomed Donald in his latest role.

“It will be exciting to work with Anthony Donald and see how he brings his unique experience to the role of Deputy Chair on Ports Australia’s Board,” he said.