Port Hedland International Airport appoints new CEO

The Port Hedland International Airport has appointed Hayley Vale to pilot the role of chief executive officer from January 1, 2025. PHIA chair Cheryl Edwardes AM said Ms Vale, who is the current head of airport, would 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 said. 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. “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.