METRONET Managing Director Anthony Kannis has been announced as the new Director General of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage from 28 February.

Mr Kannis, who has more than four decades of experience in the public sector was appointed Program Director (now Managing Director) of METRONET in 2017 and since that time he has overseen the creation of a number of complex business cases and the start of construction of multiple METRONET projects.

His achievements include releasing remaining METRONET planning projects to market approximately 12 months earlier to assist with economic stimulation during COVID-19, creating a strong pipeline of work and jobs for WA, and championing the METRONET Aboriginal Engagement Strategy, Gnarla Biddi.

He was also awarded a Public Service Medal and named in the Honour Roll in this year's Australia Day Honours List where he was recognised for his outstanding public service to transport and infrastructure reform – especially through METRONET.

Ashley Vincent, will be Acting Managing Director from 28 February, bringing a wealth of experience in infrastructure partnership delivery models and capital and program investment delivery.