GEA President, Rob Williamson
GEA CEO, Patrick Hastings
Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Hastings as Chief Executive Officer, commencing Monday 18 May 2026.
GEA Board President Rob Williamson said Mr Hastings brings extensive executive leadership experience across infrastructure, heavy industry, energy, manufacturing and regional economic development.
“Patrick has a strong track record working across industry, government and regional stakeholders to support investment, strengthen supply chain capability and position regional businesses to participate in major project opportunities,” Mr Williamson said.
“With GEA’s strong reputation as a trusted industry body supporting regional businesses and local capability, the Board believes Patrick’s experience positions the organisation well to support the region through its next phase of industrial and economic development.
“Patrick has a strong track record working across industry, government and regional stakeholders to support investment, strengthen supply chain capability and position regional businesses to participate in major project opportunities,” Mr Williamson said.
“With GEA’s strong reputation as a trusted industry body supporting regional businesses and local capability, the Board believes Patrick’s experience positions the organisation well to support the region through its next phase of industrial and economic development.
“Importantly, as the former Chief Executive Officer of the Gladstone Industry Leadership Group, Patrick knows the Gladstone region well and understands both the opportunities and challenges facing industry, supply chains and regional businesses.”
Mr Hastings said he was looking forward to returning to Central Queensland to lead GEA.
“Gladstone has a globally significant industrial base and will continue to play an important role in Queensland’s manufacturing, energy and industrial future,” Mr Hastings said.
“I look forward to working with the GEA Board, our members, industry and government stakeholders to strengthen local capability, support regional businesses and help ensure the Gladstone region is well positioned to capture long-term industrial opportunities.”
About Patrick
Patrick brings more than 15 years’ experience across infrastructure, energy and regional industry, working at the interface of major operators, supply chains and government.
His work focuses on translating industry, project and supply chain activity into coordinated economic outcomes. He improves how procurement, delivery and regional capability align in practice, strengthening the region’s ability to participate in and deliver on major industry demand. He has held senior executive roles with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, where he led the development and expansion of internationally recognised frameworks applied across major infrastructure and energy investments, and previously led the Gladstone Industry Leadership Group.
Patrick is recognised for building practical coordination mechanisms that improve visibility, timing and local participation and supply chain capability without disrupting core commercial drivers. His experience spans national policy settings through to regional delivery environments, with a consistent focus on how complex industry systems function in practice.
He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served on multiple industry and advisory boards.
