CONDOLENCES are flowing in from around the industry following the death of Fremantle Ports CEO Michael Parker.

Mr Parker died while he was at work on Wednesday morning (3 April), shortly after 0900. He was 52 years old.

He was appointed CEO for the port authority in May 2021 after a long career with industrial corporation Alcoa. He served as managing director/chairman of Alcoa Alumina and Alcoa of Australia between 2015 and 2019.

Fremantle Ports in a statement described Mr Parker as a “dynamic and engaging leader” who was “extremely well-liked” by the organisation’s staff while at the helm of Fremantle Ports.

“Our focus today [3 April] has been ensuring Michael’s family, his spouse Wendy, and their four children Ben, Jackson, Sophie and Dan, have our full support and our people receive the care and time they require to process this news,” the organisation said.

Mr Parker is said to have been deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of all people and to have led the way in his demonstration of these values.

Fremantle Ports said Mr Parker, in three years as CEO, led “an ambitious agenda of change” for Fremantle Ports, that included a major capital works program to upgrade port assets and a suite of effective organisational change initiatives directed at ensuring the organisation was prepared for a dynamic future in the decades ahead.

“He was a wonderful father, an exceptional leader and will be sorely missed,” Fremantle Ports chair Chris Sutherland said.

As messages come in from around the ports and maritime logistics industry, John Park, head of business operations at the Freight & Trade Alliance, said FTA’s thoughts were with Mr Parker’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Both Paul Zalai and I met with Michael not long after his appointment and found him to be engaging, direct and passionate about involving the whole supply chain in the movement of goods through Fremantle Port,” Mr Park said.

He said Mr Parker was always available to discuss matters of concern with the industry.

“Out condolences to his spouse Wendy, and their four children Ben, Jackson, Sophie and Dan,” Mr Park said.