Experienced executive Alex Park, who has worked in the maritime, energy, recruitment, and security industries, has been appointed Port Taranaki general manager operations.
Mr Park will take up the position in March and replaces Ashley McDonald, who returned to Australia in November.
Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock said Mr Park would make a strong addition to the Port Taranaki team.
“Alex has over 20 years’ experience across a range of industries internationally and, in particular, has experience at sea, as well as vessel management, port operations, ship and offshore construction, and supply chain,” Mr Craddock said.
“The knowledge, experience, and the skills he brings will be hugely beneficial to driving the strategic direction of Port Taranaki’s operations, particularly as New Zealand transitions to a low-emissions future and, as a port, we look to support new and renewable energy solutions.”
Based in New Plymouth, Mr Park is currently general manager of Stork New Zealand. Previously he worked as tank and terminal programme lead for Dialog Fitzroy Engineering, and has also been chief executive officer of First Security, chief operating officer of national recruitment and workforce company Accordant, and general manager of Skilled Group/Offshore Marine Services in New Zealand and internationally.
Scottish-born, Mr Park said he was excited about taking on the role at Port Taranaki.
“I first came down to New Zealand in 2005, working for Offshore Marine Services, which was a large customer of Port Taranaki, and I’ve been an admirer of the port since,” he said.
“The culture at the port, the environmental programmes and social initiatives show they’re very integrated in the community, and they play a vital economic and supply chain role for the region and New Zealand.”
He said he was looking forward to continuing to make trade easy for port customers, and helping the port move forward in a changing energy and trading environment.
“First and foremost, what’s most important is that everyone is kept safe, cargo flows in and out as easily as possible, and the environment, community and region are respected.
“I’m looking forward to helping develop and lead the strategic direction of the port and getting on-site and working with the team to achieve operational success,” he said.
“Oil and gas will remain important to the energy sector for years to come, but I’m also excited by the long-term change to renewables, and how I can use my background, particularly in offshore construction and project management, to help the port play a key supporting role in this emerging sector.”
Port Taranaki marine manager Ben Martin is in the role of general manager operations on an interim basis until Mr Park joins the company.
