Ports Victoria’s new CEO brings experience from the ports, freight and logistics sectors into the role
The Victorian government has appointed Craig Walker as the new CEO for Ports Victoria. Victorian ports minister Melissa Horne says Walker’s appointment will bring extensive leadership and experience to the role.
“Victoria’s commercial ports are our engines for economic growth and we look forward to Craig’s extensive background, leadership, insight and knowledge playing a key role in the sector,” Horne says.
Walker has held various advisor roles within the government and was previously COO and executive general manager of Gladstone Ports Corporation.
Walker has also worked with rail freight company QR National and has sat on numerous boards, includingthe North Queensland Bulk Ports.
“I’m very excited at the opportunity and to be working with the team in leading Ports Victoria in an important period of growth, diversity and change,” Walker says.
“Our work cannot be underestimated in facilitating the growth and prosperity of the commercial ports of Victoria.”
The Victorian government says that with freight volumes expected to double over the next 30 years, the safe and efficient operation of it ports remain key to Victoria’s economic growth.
Approximately $26 billion of locally produced and manufactured exports pass through the state’s commercial ports annually, handling almost a quarter of Australia’s total food and fibre exports.
Since beginning operations in 2021, Ports Victoria manages maritime navigation and operational safety for the ports of Melbourne, Geelong and Hastings and oversees the operations at the port of Portland.
Walker will commence in his new role in February 2024.