Phil Melhopt, Chief Executive

Phil joined PrimePort as Chief Executive in December 2014.  Phil has held Chief Executive roles in both local government and state owned enterprise sectors.  His background also includes logistics and sales management in both the forestry and FMCG sectors.  Phil was the inaugural chairman of the Otago Rural Fire Authority and has an active interest in rural fire management.

Nick Donaldson, Finance Manager

Nick joined PrimePort in January 2012.  Nick brings strong commercial, financial and project analysis to existing activities and development opportunities.  He leads corporate finance, treasury, accounting, administration, property, special projects, and information and communications technology teams of the company.

Nick was involved in the Company's alliance with Port of Tauranga Limited in December 2013.

Prior to joining PrimePort, Nick held senior financial accounting roles with HC Partners and BDO in New Zealand.

Nick is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and the Institute of Directors.

Emma O'Connell, Operations Manager

Emma has extensive experience in both the Port and meat processing industries.  Emma's roles have included container operations and planning, environment and safety management, and more recently general port operations.  Having been PrimePort's Operations Supervisor since August 2020, Emma joined the Leadership Team in October 2022 as the Port Operations Manager.

Andrew Pye, Marine Manager

Andrew joined PrimePort in August 2022.  Andrew's early career was in the New Zealand Army, where he served eight years in the regular force army.  After finishing with the New Zealand Army, Andrew worked on drilling rigs in the offshore oil and gas industry, then more recently as an operations manager for an international mining service company.  Prior to joining PrimePort Andrew was a vessel manager for Sanford deep water fleet.

Andrew brings enthusiasm and experience from different industries, as well as strong people and asset management skills.

Ben Kleinjan, Port Engineering Manager

Ben joined PrimePort in August 2018.  Ben brings a strong practical engineering approach to maintaining aging Port infrastructure.  Ben has spent the past three years providing asset condition inspections and structural assessments to PrimePort's wharf structures.

He brings enthusiasm and experience in developing technical solutions to complex problems.  Ben has experience in civil and structure engineering after spending 10 years with OPUS International Consultants Ltd.  Ben is tasked with providing PrimePort with fit for purpose assets and planning for future infrastructure development.

Stewart Gollan, Safety & Security Manager

Stewart joined PrimePort in June 2023 from Sanford and brings 10+ years of health and safety experience across the Mining, Construction and Fishing industries.  Stewart's experience across multiple high-risk industries ensures a strong focus on risk management, safety engagement and the ability to connect with a variety of people from the work front to the boardroom.  Stewart has successfully led safety on complex projects for Fonterra and Sanford and has a high-level of maritime safety experience which he brings to the role.