The Port of Melbourne has a new CFO, with an experienced financial expert set to join the organisation
The Port of Melbourne has concluded its hunt for a new chief financial officer, announcing the appointment of Leigh Petschel in the role.
Petschel is set to commence the role in November, crossing over from his current role as CFO and vice president at Monash University.
He brings international experience to the Port of Melbourne, having previously served as the general manager and VP of Transurban in both Australia and North America.
Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon welcomes Petschel into the organisation.
“Leigh not only has an extensive history in financial and business strategy in infrastructure and regulated sectors, he also brings a focus on innovation and global perspectives,” Cannon says.
“Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container and general cargo port, and Leigh will play a pivotal role in retaining and growing that position.
“His experience in partnering with industry and government will also stand us in good stead, ensuring that we continue to deliver on our stewardship obligations to the state and work constructively with port users.”
Petschel served nearly eight years at Transurban, acting before that as the group manager of finance at Origin Energy for five years and CFO at Engie North America for three years.
Commencing on November 13, he spoke of his excitement to be joining the organisation.
“Port of Melbourne is a critical part of Australia’s infrastructure and I look forward to contributing to its development,” he says.
Cannon also thanks retiring CFO Darryl Mutzelberg for his service to the organisation.
Mutzelberg has held the role for six years after joining the Port of Melbourne from the Port of Brisbane.
“Since 2017, Darryl has overseen the transition of the business from government to private ownership including refinancing approximately $5 billion of debt and embedding the unique regulatory framework applicable to Port of Melbourne,” Cannon says.
“Darryl has also been heavily involved in commercial matters including designing and implementing commercial and access arrangements for the Port Rail Transformation Project, negotiating arrangements for the extension of the Webb Dock East berths and renegotiating a number of lease arrangements at the Port.”