Australian transport operator Keolis Downer has named David Franks as its next chief executive officer, to replace Campbell Mason, who has returned to work with Downer.
Franks will start as chief executive on March 19, and will work out of Keolis Downer’s Sydney offices.
“I am delighted David is joining Keolis Downer,” chairman Leila Frances said. “His operational focus and strong background partnering with governments and public transport authorities are considerable assets to lead the development of our activities in Australia and New Zealand.”
Franks started his career working for British Rail, and has held numerous senior executive roles in the public and private sector over a 45-year career.
“Governments have an ambitious agenda to deliver major infrastructure and public transport projects in Australia’s fast-growing cities and we will continue, under David’s leadership, to support the delivery of their vision,” Frances added.
With over 4,000 employees in Australia and New Zealand, Keolis Downer operates and maintains Melbourne’s Yarra Trams network, the Gold Coast’s light rail network, and more than 1,200 buses in NSW, WA, South Australia and Queensland.
Let’s hope Yarra Trams in Melbourne can improve on what it has been doing.