Perth Mint boss Jason Waters has flown the coop after just 12 months in the top job, leaving the trouble-plagued state-owned trading enterprise to helm Perth Airport.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Perth Airport chair Rob Cole confirmed Waters would replace former chief executive Kevin Brown and spearhead the transport hub’s next wave of growth.
Perth Mint chief executive Jason Waters has resigned to take on the role of Perth Airport chief executive.Credit: Hamish Hastie
The news comes just one year after Waters was appointed to spearhead the mint, which was subsequently thrust into the spotlight by a Four Corners investigation claiming it had failed to comply with its anti-money laundering obligations and had been running a money-saving gold dilution program.
The mint and its owner Gold Corporation are at the centre of an Austrac audit amid concerns about its compliance with stringent regulations set by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act.
The public servant was dragged in to scrutinise its regulatory compliance, launching a remediation program to address historical shortcomings as the state government mulls the privatisation of both the Mint and Gold Corp.
Gold Corp non-executive chair Sam Walsh expressed his disappointment, but expressed thanks to the outgoing chief for steering the organisation through a “challenging period”.
“He has made a significant and positive impact, and we are sorry to see Jason go,” Walsh said.
“We wish him the very best for this new opportunity.”
Walsh confirmed Gold Corp would begin an immediate hunt for Waters’ successor while he serves out his notice period.
The Mint was yet another senior government role for Waters, who spent eight years leading government-owned Synergy and held several senior roles in Western Power.
The new role won’t be without its challenges, such as Perth Airport’s new major infrastructure projects, including a new runway and the long-mooted consolidation of all flights into the airport central precinct.
He is expected to begin the role formally later this year after serving his notice period with the Mint, with acting chief Kate Holsgrove to hold the fort until then.
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