The state government has appointed Dennis Parsons as the Esperance Port Authority chief executive and director of environment. Mr Parsons is returning to Western Australia, having served as general manager marine operations Port Kembla, in New South Wales. He was marine business unit manager at the Geraldton Port Authority from 1999 until 2004. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan says Mr Parsons will be responsible for completing the program of engineering and environmental improvements. Gaylene Taylor was also appointed as director of environment and Bart Downe as an additional environment officer.