Lonsdale disembarks from Auriga

INAUGURAL CEO Trent Lonsdale has stepped down from the Auriga Group after seven transformative years at the helm.

Mr Lonsdale saw Auriga grow from concept to market disruptor, “becoming a nationally-recognised, mission-critical business underpinning Australia’s seaborne export supply chain, operating across more than 20 locations with a team of over 400 maritime and aviation professionals.

“A qualified Mariner, Trent brought rare dual expertise to the CEO role - the technical authority of a career seafarer and the commercial acumen of a business builder,” Auriga said.

“When he stepped into the role, there was no blueprint. He and the founding team of Directors and Executives wrote it. Auriga united a suite of specialised businesses under a single brand, establishing a new standard for integrated aviation, marine and maritime pilot services across the country.

“From being a young 19-year-old sailor starting a career at sea as a submariner to leading Auriga Group as CEO and Director, this has certainly been an exciting journey,” Mr Lonsdale said.

“Without doubt, the last seven years have been the honour of my career, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this company.

“I’ll miss the people most. The conversations across our air bases and ships, the problem-solving, and the pride our teams take in delivering safe outcomes and looking after each other. To our staff and clients: thank you for your trust, your support, and for letting me be part of what we’ve built together.”

In a statement the Auriga board paid tribute to Mr Lonsdale saying “What Auriga Group has achieved over the last seven years is remarkable and it is testament to the hard work, vision and dedication from every single member of the team across the country".

“Since 2019 Trent’s vision, leadership, unwavering customer centric ethos and operational commercial nouse has been synonymous with the development of innovative and creative solutions for our customers for which Auriga Group has become renown," the board stated.

"We thank him for his service and wish him all the best for the future.”

Auriga Group chairman Douglas Potter confirmed a structured leadership transition was underway.

“The company enters its next chapter from a position of considerable strength: with long term client relationships across Australia’s most critical ports, and a team of extraordinary professionals whose instinctive, relentless “can-do” culture defines the Auriga brand," Mr Potter said.

“The board has expressed its full confidence in Auriga’s management team to continue the trajectory Trent established and to capitalise on the international growth opportunities now emerging through Auriga International. The next CEO will be subject to a further announcement in due course.”