Passenger Rail

New chair for V/Line

V/Line train. Photo: Victorian Government

The Victorian government has named the next chair of V/Line, after Jeroen Weimar was named to a senior role in the Department of Transport.

Gabrielle Bell will replace Weimar as chair of V/Line, the state-owned regional rail operator.

Bell, a V/Line board member since July 2015, will work with CEO James Pinder to continue improving the operator’s performance, public transport minister Melissa Horne said on September 9.

“Gabrielle Bell’s appointment as chair will allow V/Line to continue improving its performance and delivering better services for passengers,” Horne said. “The V/Line network is growing faster than ever before – which is why we’re delivering a more punctual, reliable and accessible regional rail system for all Victorians.”

Weimar has moved to a new role as the deputy secretary for transport operations, under the new Department of Transport structure. Weimar was the CEO of Public Transport Victoria for almost five years and had been the chair of V/Line’s board since July 2018.

“I want to thank Jeroen Weimar for his contribution as V/Line board chair and the significant improvements made to V/Line’s strategic direction during his tenure,” Horne said.

Bell has worked as a corporate lawyer in Australia and South East Asia, and is currently on the boards of South East Water, VicSuper and InLife Independent Living.

She has specialised in general corporate advisory, including governance.

Bell’s term is until August 31, 2022.