Sea Swift is delighted to announce that Dwayne Freeman has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Northern Australia’s largest shipping company.
Mr Freeman has an extensive background of more than 20 years in executive leadership roles in marine, logistics, transport, supply chain and infrastructure businesses, with a particular focus on supply chains through Australian and New Zealand ports.
He was most recently the Deputy Commissioner – North West and Detention for the Australian Border Force (ABF), which had more than 3,000 employees and contractors, an operating budget of approximately $1 billion, a significant marine fleet, and operated throughout northern and regional Australia.
Prior to that, Mr Freeman was the CEO of Abbot Point Operations, and has held senior leadership roles in Asciano Ltd, Pacific National, and Toll Holdings.
Sea Swift Chairman Steve Boulton said the appointment of Mr Freeman as CEO of the marine transport company followed an extensive recruitment process, and reflects the Board’s commitment to strengthen and grow Sea Swift.
“This is a key appointment for the business, and we’re excited to have Dwayne on board to further drive the company forward,” Mr Boulton said.
“Dwayne is an influential and decisive leader who has a proven track record in achieving results, delivering change, and developing strong relationships with stakeholders.
“With Dwayne’s background and experience, we are confident that he, together with our experienced team, will continue to strengthen the company for the benefit of our customers and employees.”
Mr Freeman said he feels privileged to be taking up the role and is looking forward to leading the Sea Swift team.
“The future of Sea Swift is exciting, and I’m fully committed to ensuring the ongoing success and sustainability of the business,” he said.
“I have a passion for developing and growing sustainable businesses through engaging and collaborative leadership, working with stakeholders, and developing high-performing teams to deliver shared value.
“I’m also motivated about regional community development, with a focus on contributing to the remote communities in which we operate.
“Over the coming months I’m looking forward to getting to know the Sea Swift team, our customers, and building high-quality relationships with all levels of government, industry, and the community.”
Mr Freeman began his tenure at Sea Swift today (18 July), and will be primarily based in the company’s Cairns office.
Mr Dwayne Freeman – career overview
Dwayne has a broad experience base including roles in business development, mergers and acquisitions, finance, commercial, strategy, operations and transformational change management, and has also held director positions and been a representative on many industry bodies.
Dwayne has most recently worked as Deputy Commissioner – North West and Detention group for the Australian Border Force (ABF), where he had responsibility for the National Detention Network; the delivery of ABF operational activity for Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia; Maritime Border Command and Operation Sovereign Borders, international operations, and the national operations centre including planning targeting and tactical capability branches. The group had more than 3,000 direct employees in 20 countries, had an operating budget of ~ $1bn, a marine fleet of 45 vessels, and had a significant presence in Northern and regional Australia. The group delivered detention operations, strategic and operational planning, civil maritime security, maritime, aerial, technical and covert surveillance capability to achieve ABF outcomes. The role had significant stakeholder engagement across multiple levels of government in Australia, government agencies, law enforcement agencies, foreign governments, and border agencies.
Prior to the ABF, Dwayne was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Abbot Point Operations for Adani Australia. As CEO, Dwayne developed and led the strategic development, transformational change and operation of the multi-billion dollar T1, 50mtpa coal export facility in Bowen, Queensland.
Under his leadership, APO achieved significant success in safety, operational efficiency and effectiveness, asset development and maintenance, sustainability, and risk management improvements. In addition to the core operating business, Dwayne was accountable for the project leadership of the proposed multi-billion dollar port expansion project, the development of a heavy haul above rail business, and a marine tug business.
Dwayne has previously worked in senior executive roles in Tier one logistics and supply chain companies in Australia, namely Asciano Ltd, formally Australia’s largest national rail freight and port operator (2007-2014), and TOLL Holdings (2003-2007).
Dwayne commenced his career as an electrician, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Newcastle. He was a Certified Practicing Accountant and has completed the General Manager Program at the Melbourne Business School.
Dwayne’s prior experience in dealing with difficult and diverse roles, and as an influential, innovative, and collaborative leader has seen him achieve success in a number of leadership roles.
