Newcastle welcomes two new executives

(Posted on 15/11/18)

The Port of Newcastle, Australia has welcomed two new senior executives. Tanya McDonald has commenced in the role of Executive Manager Corporate Affairs and Trent Gearside has joined the team in the role of Executive Manager Projects & Infrastructure.

Tanya brings significant experience as a senior executive in the Queensland and Commonwealth governments and the private sector to the Port of Newcastle. Prior to joining the Port, Tanya held the position of Executive Director, Strategy and Stakeholder Relations at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator where she oversaw national strategy, stakeholder and intergovernmental relations, communications and media relations.

Tanya will oversee development of the Port's Corporate Affairs function, including communications, media and stakeholder relations.

"I am looking forward to leading Port of Newcastle's external communication and stakeholder engagement strategy. The Port is strongly committed to diversification so this is an exciting time to have joined the team in Newcastle," said Tanya.

Trent has returned to Newcastle following his recent role as Infrastructure Development Manager at Darwin Port. Trent's achievements in Darwin included commissioning the Port Master Plan, delivering a new hardstand and refrigerated container facility.

Trent said he had been involved in the ports and logistics sector for more than 15 years and was honoured to be leading Port of Newcastle's extensive projects and infrastructure portfolio.

"We have a suite of major infrastructure projects in the pipeline that will be transformational for the Port and the region. I can't wait to get in, start working and lead the team through the next phase of development," said Trent.

Port of Newcastle's CEO, Craig Carmody, said it was an exciting time for Port of Newcastle and Tanya and Trent's roles would be key to realising the future potential of the port.

"Working at the Port of Newcastle presents an opportunity to not only live and work in one of Australia's best cities, but also play a role in shaping the future growth and economic diversification of the Hunter region.

"I am pleased the Port has secured Tanya and Trent. Both are seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience across the corporate affairs and ports and logistics sector. I look forward to welcoming them to the team," said Craig.