Our People

Marco Lucido, Chairman & Managing Director

Marco Lucido is responsible for the identification, development and commercialisation of the National Ports business, including the development of the Mobidock concept and associated intellectual property. Having introduced and operated Australian-based roll-on roll-off shipping services, he brings relevant shipping experience and well-established relationships with key maritime stakeholders. Marco’s background in heavy engineering, having established Centrecon Pty Ltd (a major engineering company later sold to Transfield), serves National Ports well in the critical design and construction phases of the delivery program.

Paulo F. Bahia Guimarães, Chairman – Brazil

Paulo Bahia Guimarães has more than 40 years of experience in mining, management, business development, evaluations, negotiations, acquisitions, strategic planning and minerals exploration. Over 30 years experience in Brazil in government relations, industry organizations, professional associations and institutes. Over 20 years experience in minerals marketing & logistics and contract negotiations.

He was President of BHP Billiton Brazil from 1991 to 2003 and was a Director of the Company from 1983 to 2003. Paulo was Chairman for Brazil and South America of GRD Minproc Ltd. from 2004 to 2010. Paulo has served on several Boards in Brazil, including the Board of Directors of Samarco Mineração S.A. (world’s second largest iron ore pellet producer), and the Board of Directors of TBG (Bolivia – Brazil gas pipeline).

Paulo holds the B.Sc. in Geology from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, and the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology from the Stanford University, California, U.S.A.

Roberto Saija, Chairman – United Kingdom

Roberto Saija is an Engineer specialized in the civil and environmental sector with over 25 years of experience. He is a member of the board and managing director of several companies, some of them in the real estate sector. Additionally, he gained significant experience in the field of energy-saving and production from renewable sources which he coordinated and managed investments exceeding one billion euros. He has been managing important civil construction works as director and coordinator for the execution of works.

Ian Smith, Director – United Kingdom

Ian Smith has 35 years of experience in the Shipping industry. Worked initially as a Naval Architect for the UK Ministry of Defence / Royal Navy and then in technical ship management specialising in bulk carriers before spending 20+ years in a major UK ship broker focusing on the new construction of all types of commercial ships. Now in National Ports / Windthrust bringing a blend of commercial and technical experience to help the development and construction of innovative ship types.

Paul Piercy, Director (Non Executive)

Paul Piercy brings with him extensive Australian and International mining and resources industry experience.  He also has significant experience in China where he was based for a number of years and also Africa (Zambia) and Papua New guinea (Bougainville). Paul is a metallurgist who has held senior management and technical positions within the Rio Tinto Limited group during the 1980’s and 1990’s, including General Manager of Hamersley Iron’s Dampier port and rail operations, General Manager of Hamersley Iron’s Paraburdoo & Channar operations and Managing Director of Novacoal and Kembla Coal & Coke. More recently he was Managing Director of WesTrac Equipment from 1997 to 2000 before playing an integral role in the successful establishment of WesTrac China, as its Chairman/CEO based in China.

John O’Connor, Advisor to the Board

John has over 30 years’ involvement in the Trade Union movement and offers significant expertise in relation to industrial relations matters. His experience includes:

  • Director Fremantle Ports
  • Director Western Power (now Verve Energy)
  • Australian Industrial Relations Commissioner
  • National President of the Transport Workers Union
  • State Secretary of the Transport Workers Union.