FORMER Port of Melbourne executive general manager Caryn Anderson has been appointed chair of the Port of Hastings Corporation (PoHC).
Ms Anderson takes over from Mark Toohey who had been acting in an interim capacity.
Her appointment occurs as a new board of directors was also announced.
According to the PoHC, the newly appointed board members “bring a wealth of experience across transport infrastructure management, commercial strategy, stakeholder relations and environmental management, and will be focused on ensuring the Port of Hastings continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth opportunities for Victoria”.
The board is to oversee the strategic direction set by their upcoming Port Development Strategy 2025 and the continued development and delivery of the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, critical to supporting Victoria’s energy transition.
Caryn Anderson is an experienced executive with what the PoHC said was “deep expertise in infrastructure, transport and commercial strategy”.
“Caryn has held senior roles at the Port of Melbourne, leading major projects including the Port Lease Transaction,” the PoHC stated.
“Her strengths span strategic infrastructure planning and development, ESG, stakeholder engagement, business development, and governance across both public and private sectors.”
Other board appointments are:
Carolyn Baker is a senior legal and executive leader with experience in Melbourne’s transport infrastructure sector, having held senior roles at the Port of Melbourne and ConnectEast.
Mario D’Elia is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and an experienced financial, commercial and strategic advisor with extensive experience in infrastructure and public-private partnerships. He was also the lead National Partner of PwC’s Infrastructure Advisory team for over 20 years, advising governments and private sector clients on major capital projects across transport, water and social infrastructure.
Lachlan McDonald is executive director for Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Transport and Planning, where he leads strategic engagement across government on transport and infrastructure policy.
Aisha Nicolay is an experienced leader and governance specialist currently serving as chair of the Public Transport Ombudsman. Her skills include corporate governance, strategic thinking, and culture change across public, private, and community sectors.
Suzanna Sheed is a government relations and strategy advisor, lawyer, and former Independent Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Shepparton (2014–2022). Before her election to parliament, she practiced family and commercial law in Shepparton and served as an RACV director.
“We thank the outgoing board members who have each significantly contributed to positioning PoHC for its next phase of growth,” the PoHC stated.
“We look forward to working with each of our new board members as we continue managing sustainable port operations, enabling the renewable energy transition, and supporting the communities around Western Port.”