New Zealand state-owned network and above rail operator KiwiRail has moved chairman Greg Miller to the role of CEO, after an international search failed to yield an outside candidate for the important role.
Brian Corban, KiwiRail’s deputy chair since July 2018, will move into the role of acting chairman to free up Miller to take over as CEO.
Corban on May 3 said there were a number of strong contenders for the CEO role, but the Board did not find the specific combination of skills required across commercial, supply chain, rail, international experience, leadership and transformation.
“At the end of an international search … the Board made the decision that Mr Miller, as Group chief executive, was the best way to lead the organisation forward.”
Miller replaces acting chief executive Todd Moyle, who steps back into the role of chief operating officer and deputy CEO.
“As we enter a period of unprecedented growth and positive change, the Board is delighted to have secured a leader of Greg’s ability,” Corban continued.
“We are setting up a management team and Board which will take the organisation through this important next stage and we have found a leader with an unrivalled set of global experience in supply chain, a history with rail, domestic transport expertise, and who has led companies through significant growth and transformation.
“We will all work closely together as several major projects now come to fruition, including the replacement of KiwiRail’s Interislander ferry fleet, the need for a major rolling stock replacement programme and new initiatives such as the reopening of the Napier to Wairoa line, an $80 million investment in our tourism services and a new multi-modal hub in the Palmerston North region.”
Miller thanked Moyle for his good work during his time as interim CEO.
“Todd Moyle has done an excellent job over the past six months as Acting Chief Executive and we have formed a fabulous working relationship built on mutual respect,” Miller said.
“We are now at a pivotal point in the organisation’s history with the support of the Government and the ability to make a once-in-a-generation difference to New Zealanders through easing congestion in our cities, taking trucks off vulnerable roads, reducing carbon emissions and driving investments in regional economies.”