RHYS WELBOURN

Rhys is Chief Executive of Port Marlborough New Zealand Ltd.

Rhys has worked in the port and marine industry for over 20 years, in engineering, operational and commercial management roles. He has been Chief Executive of Port Marlborough since 2017.

During that time the Port has implemented a new strategy focused on sustainability, delivering success to the region through enhancing financial, social and environmental value for Marlborough.

Rhys is a firm believer that good environmental practice is good business practice, and that ports and marinas have a vital role to play in connecting communities, businesses and iwi together.

Port Marlborough facilitates the Cook Strait passenger and freight ferries at Waitohi Picton, it operates New Zealand’s deepest export shipping berth, and multipurpose berths. Port Marlborough is a busy cruise ship port and can accommodate the world’s largest class of cruise vessels in Shakespeare Bay.

A significant part of Port Marlborough’s operation is Marlborough Sounds Marinas – New Zealand’s largest marina operator, comprising Picton, Waikawa and Havelock marinas. The marinas provide facilities including marina berths, boatsheds and secure compound parking for over 2,000 vessels. The Port recently completed the North West extension to Waikawa Marina adding a further 251 berths to its portfolio.

Rhys holds an MBA from Cranfield University and has completed the Advanced Leadership Programme at Cambridge University and the Advanced Negotiation Program at Harvard University. He is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors.