Steamships chairman retires

 BILL Rothery, a long time chairman of the Steamships board, has retired after serving for 18 years.

His successor Geoff Cundle will take over the role next month.

Rothery said one of the highlights of his tenure as chairman on the board was the decision to have Steamships exit the retail sector to focus on property.

 “Others include taking a cottage industry, Laga Industries, out of Goroka and transforming it into a full blown manufacturer based out of Lae. There’s the opening of the prestigious Grand Papua Hotel and of course the 90th anniversary of Steamships when we celebrated the rich and diverse history of the company,” he said.

Rothery said parent company Swire had a great regard for Steamships PNG has played a part in shaping the careers of a number of senior Swire people.