Asciano to lose Telford and Schultz

Mr Schultz, the divisional general manager of Patrick Container Ports, has resigned and will depart on August 14 to pursue other career opportunities, while Mr Telford, Asciano's chief operations officer, will retire at a date to be fixed.

Pacific National Intermodal chief Paul Geraghty will take over from Mr Schultz and Mr Telford will take over Mr Geraghty's duties while Mr Geraghty's replacement is found.

"In his five years as head of the Patrick Container Terminals business, Doug was instrumental in the development of the world's first automated straddle container terminal and the construction of Berth 10 in Brisbane, the redevelopment of Port Botany terminal and introduction of rail mounted gantries, the expansion of East Swanson Dock in Melbourne and the restructure of Patrick Port Services and Patrick Portlink into Patrick Port Logistics," Mr Rowsthorn said.

Mr Schultz has overseen important port developments this decade.

He left the role of P&O Ports manager port services in Victoria in May 2004 to join Patrick.

He had been with P&O for 16 years after a career at sea and having held positions at Fremantle.

A one-time Pacific National chief executive, Mr Telford has held important positions including group director at Toll Logistics and executive general manager of the Logistics Group of TNT Australia.

"The performance of the operational businesses this year has been second to none, despite the slowing of the Australian economy and the many distractions that have surrounded the company over the past 12 months," Mr Telford said.

"Hence, this is an appropriate time for me to step down as chief operating officer."