Port Waratah Coal chief retires due to pancreatic cancer
CEO Hennie du Plooy is retiring at the end of November due to pancreatic cancer.
Hennie du Plooy will retire at the end of November due to ill health. During his 15 years at Port Waratah Coal Services, du Plooy has accumulated more than 35 years of experience in mining and resources.
Du Plooy told staff he has been managing pancreatic cancer since June 2025 and now needs to focus on his health. During his tenure, he oversaw completion of the Kooragang Terminal expansion, reshaped industry capacity arrangements, and secured approval for the proposed Terminal 4 development.
The board is arranging interim leadership while it recruits a permanent replacement. Port Waratah's chair Stef Loader said the company is well positioned for the future.
The senior leadership team will continue with confidence during the search for a new CEO.
- 15 years
- Years leading Port Waratah
- More than 35 years
- Industry experience
- June 2025
- Cancer diagnosis
- Stef Loader
- Board chair
Why it mattersA new leader is taking over at one of Australia's largest coal export terminals. The company is navigating change in the energy sector.
AustraliaPort Waratah handles major coal exports from NSW, so this management change could affect export supply reliability and timing.
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