The Port Hedland International Airport (PHIA) has appointed Hayley Vale to take over the role of Chief Executive Officer at the critical Pilbara transport hub from 1 January 2025.
Hon. Cheryl Edwardes AM, PHIA Chair said Ms Vale, who is the current Head of Airport, will fill the position from Dave Batic.
Ms Edwardes said Ms Vale was perfectly positioned to guide the next exciting phase of the PHIA’s development.
“Hayley is a fantastic example of succession planning in action and the focus on professional development within the PHIA having developed her skills through a variety of roles including Heliport Manager, Manager Corporate Services and now Head of Airport.”
“She has a deep understanding of our operations and is a natural leader.”
Ms Vale was late last year acknowledged by the Australian Airports Association with the National Emerging Airport Leader Award for excelling in a variety of roles and in recognition of her contribution to the PHIA terminal redevelopment project which was completed in August 2023. This year she was named a finalist in the Australian Aviation Female Aviation Leader of the Year. Other accolades include being awarded Employee of the Year by the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“I am excited and honoured to be taking on the Chief Executive Officer role from the start of next year and continue to drive the growth that is taking place at PHIA both from an aviation and commercial development perspective,” Ms Vale said.
“It is a transformational and innovative time for the PHIA which plays such a critical role supporting and connecting the Port Hedland community, enabling industry, and supporting economic growth in the Pilbara and Western Australia.”
Ms Edwardes thanked Mr Batic for the pivotal role he had played in guiding the Airport over the last three years and his involvement with local business and the community.
“Under Dave’s leadership we have seen passenger records broken, the terminal upgrade up and running, work begin on a 1.22-megawatt solar farm, awarded Level 2 airport carbon reduction accreditation and the PHIA being named Regional Airport of the Year in 2023 and a finalist for Airport of the Year in 2024.”
Mr Batic said his time at PHIA had been immensely fulfilling and he was proud to be part of a committed can-do team.
“I look forward to working with Hayley for the next few months as she transitions into the Chief Executive role,” he said.
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