Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) CEO, Caroline Wykamp, has tendered her resignation to the Board, and said that her time on the project has been an incredibly rewarding and dynamic journey.
On a post to LinkedIn on 6 September 2024, Ms Wykamp reflected on her time at Marinus Link.
“I was brought on to get the deal done, and I am proud to say I achieved everything I set out to achieve and probably more,” Ms Wykamp said
“Navigating the tight international supply market, we secured a Capacity Reservation Agreement underwritten by the Australian Government for HVDC cable with Prysmian. I led the company through the negotiations and agreements of two significant EPC contracts –one with Prysmian for cables and another with Hitachi Energy for converters.
“In addition, and sometimes overlooked, I was instrumental in leading the building the business from the ground up, what we called our ‘Be Ready’ program of work, establishing the necessary processes and systems to support a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure start-up business.”
Ms Wykamp said that another key achievement was supporting the Federal, Victorian, and Tasmanian governments to come together through a shareholders’ agreement and the successful sale of MLPL to these three governments. This was done during an election ‘caretaker’ period in Tasmania and the sale was a key step to supporting the progress of the project.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to Samantha Hogg (1st Chair), the Honorable Warwick Smith, Kev Kehl, and Dr Collette Burke when back in January 2023 entrusting me with the responsibility of bringing this vital project to a reality,” Ms Wykamp said.
“My deep thanks also to Roger Gill (2nd Chair), Michael Eyers, and Sean McGoldrick for their support through to the sale, as well as to Alistair Parker and Kate O’Sullivan the new board directors and Sandra Gamble (3rd Chair), who joined after the sale.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the board members’ belief in my ability to make this project happen, and especially Samantha Hogg, who knew my determination to bring the project to life.
“I cannot speak highly enough of my love and regard of the whole Marinus team and the exceptional executive team. They have been outstanding in navigating the challenges and triumphs of such an important project. I know that the project is in the very capable hands now of Andrew Hugo as Acting CEO. I will miss the laughs we managed to have even when under a lot of pressure.
“A big thanks too to the government departments and future financier, DCCEEW, VicGrid, RecFit and CEFC. The many meetings we had, testament to the transparency I promised I would bring. The team and I could not have done this without all of the people who were part of the weekly working group.
“I remain steadfast in my belief that making bold, decisive moves is necessary for impactful outcomes, especially in projects like Marinus where it looked at one stage like an impossible project to get up.
“I am excited about new opportunities to bring my dedication and determination to another challenging project, role, business. The next impossible is calling my name.”
MLPL Chair, Sandra Gamble, said Ms Wykamp’s tenure had been key to securing the future of the project.
“Since January 2023, Caroline Wykamp has made a huge contribution as CEO towards securing key elements of the Marinus Link project,” Ms Gamble said.
“She has built on more than six years of dedicated work by the Marinus Link team and guided the organisation through significant approvals and contract negotiations, especially for the supply of critical converter and cable equipment.”
Ms Gamble said Ms Wykamp advised the Board that she was departing the Marinus Link team on 30 August 2024.
“She takes with her the best wishes of the Board and those of the team of professionals she has led over the past 20 months,” Ms Gamble said.
“Following the new joint government ownership and the signing of major equipment contracts, it’s time to make way for a new focus. In our case, this will be on project planning, assurance, balance of works contracting, and navigating a pathway to a final investment decision.”
MLPL Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Hugo, will be Acting CEO until a permanent replacement is appointed.
The process of recruiting a permanent CEO has commenced.
“The Board and management look forward to continuing to drive and steward the successful development and delivery of the Marinus Link project,” Ms Gamble said.
Featured image: Marinus Link.
