T-PORTS has appointed a new chief executive officer as current CEO Kieran Carvill steps down to lead a new business development strategy within the company.

Scott McKay, an experienced consultant and business executive, will step into the CEO role to continue the management of T-Ports’ core business activities and engagement with stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Mr Carvill will take on a specialised role to fast-track a range of business growth opportunities planned for the transhipment port.

T-Ports chairman Rob Chapman said the board was looking forward to accelerating its growth plans with two experienced leaders at the helm.

“As a business, we’re proud of the significant achievements made over the past five years in completing our supply chain development at Lock, Kimba and Lucky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, and having commenced the construction of the Wallaroo port,” he said.

“Kieran has successfully led the company through its initial start-up phase and now, as the company has matured, will be able to focus on an area of the business he is particularly passionate about – further diversification opportunities in transhipment to drive future company growth.”

Mr Chapman said Mr McKay will bring extensive experience in supply chain business leadership into his new position.

“His previous experience as a principal at Aurecon and CEO of Bowmans Rail, as well as his extensive consulting experience across the mining and agricultural sectors, will prove valuable to the company.”

Mr Carvill said he was proud of the work the team had delivered during his tenure as CEO and is looking forward to the roll-out of new projects delivering value to growers and regional communities.

“To be able to offer growers across Eyre Peninsula, and later this year Yorke Peninsula, an alternative export pathway and increased competition has been immeasurably gratifying,” Mr Carvill said.

“I am looking forward to being able to focus on building new business opportunities for T-Ports in what I believe is a necessary and exciting future expansion.”

Mr McKay said he was excited to have the opportunity to lead the company into its next phase.

“The key point of difference with T-Ports is the ability to deliver from concept and approvals to design to construction and operation of a port and collection system in only a few years, which brings to life an integrated grain supply chain,” he said.

“That is a really exciting concept and not possible with other port infrastructure models. I’m looking forward to working with our stakeholders to drive the business forward.”