The Southern Ports’ Board of Directors is the governing body as detailed in the Port Authorities Act 1999.
Members are appointed by the Minister for Ports and are tasked with performing the functions, determining the policies and controlling the affairs of Southern Ports.
BRAD GEATCHES, BOARD CHAIR
BCom
Appointed: 1 July 2026, term ends 30 June 2028.
Brad served as Chair of the Pilbara Ports Board from May 2019 to June 2024 and Deputy Chair from July 2024 to June 2026. He was also Chair of the Pilbara Ports Safety, Risk and Audit Committee from 1 January 2025 until his departure.
Brad brings more than 30 years' senior executive experience in underground mining, airports and seaports. From 2007 to 2016 he was CEO of Perth Airport Pty Ltd and led a $1.1 billion capital investment program that greatly expanded the airport's capacity and transformed the airport's customer experience. Prior to this, he was CEO of Cairns Port Authority, the operator of the Cairns airport and seaport, and CEO of Powercoal Pty Ltd, a company operating underground mines in NSW. He is a Director of Brisbane Airport, Canberra Airport and MATES in Construction WA.
JANE CUTLER, DEPUTY CHAIR
BE (Hons) University of Auckland, MEnvSci, MBA, FAICD, FIChemE.
Appointed: 1 February 2020, term ends 30 June 2028.
Special responsibilities: Safety and Security Committee Chair.
Jane has extensive experience in resources, oil and gas, financial services, maritime, environment and technology industries. Her executive experience includes senior executive roles in public companies in the oil and gas sector, and later as CEO of National Petroleum Offshore Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), the industry regulator. Jane has over 30 years of Board experience, and is currently a Non-Executive Director of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), WA Division Council Member of AICD, Vice-Chair IChemE Congress and Vice-Chair IChemE Energy Centre.
ROBYN FENECH
BEd Soc Sc
Appointed: 1 July 2021, term ends 31 December 2027.
Robyn's background is in regional economic development across many sectors including tourism, agriculture and infrastructure planning.
Her work history includes being the General Manager of two tourism associations, Business Development and Pre-Contracts Manager in water infrastructure delivery, and 20 years in her consultancy practice delivering projects throughout regional WA. Robyn has been involved in strategy development and delivery within the South West region for many years in various capacities, including implementing the sub-regional Growth Plan, sitting on a number of community boards and as Chair of the Bunbury Development Committee.
Robyn brings experience in strategic planning, governance and industry and community consultation.
THE HON BEN MORTON
BA Australian National University, GAICD
Appointed: 1 January 2023, term ends 31 December 2027.
Ben is a former elected member of Federal Parliament, representing the Western Australian electorate of Tangney. Ben has served as a Minister in the Australian Government, including as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Minister for the Public Service and Special Minister of State.
Before entering Federal Parliament, Ben worked for Western Australian Builder and Building supply company BGC and was the Chief Executive of the Liberal Party of Western Australia between 2008 and 2015.
Ben is a Commissioner of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
DAVID WELCH
Appointed: 1 January 2024, term ends 31 December 2028.
Mr. David Rolf Welch has held senior executive positions within Aurizon Holdings Limited, from 2007 to 2017. These positions included VP Iron Ore, VP Market Development and EVP Strategy and Business Development.He has had direct responsibility for strategy, business transformation and performance, commercial negotiations, stakeholder engagement, major projects, joint venture management, merger and acquisition and business development.
David was previously the managing director of The Millennium Group from 1998 to 2006 and was a marketing manager of CSBP Limited (part of the Wesfarmers conglomerate) in the development of mining reagent and agriculture products from 1989 to 1994. He is an experienced and well credentialed senior executive with a successful track record in the planning, development and operation of logistics and infrastructure supply chains for commodities markets, including; coal, iron ore, grain and industrial products sectors.
VERONICA JEFFERY
Appointed: 1 January 2026, term ends 31 December 2027.
Veronica has more than 30 years of senior government leadership experience across diverse disciplines, in roles including Deputy Chief of Staff to Premiers Roger Cook and Mark McGowan, and Chief of Staff to Ministers in Transport and Planning and Culture and Arts.
She has held executive positions at the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority and East Perth Redevelopment Authority where she played a central role in shaping and activating urban renewal precincts including Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square. In these roles, she led activation, leasing and precinct management while aligning government, community and commercial interests to deliver successful outcomes.
Veronica’s expertise spans strategic marketing and communications, stakeholder engagement and community relations, supported by strong capability in shaping policy and strategy.
Veronica currently serves on the Boards of the Arts and Culture Trust and Connect Victoria Park Inc.