Victorian public transport minister Jacinta Allan has named a new chief executive officer of V/Line, after the former CEO resigned amid a wheel wear pandemic which took dozens of locomotives off the rails early this year.
Allan joined V/Line board chair Jenny Dawson on October 21 to name James Pinder as the new chief executive officer of V/Line.
Pinder has more than 32 years’ experience in the rail industry, including as Metro Trains Melbourne’s general manager of rolling stock.
He has also worked at Southern Railway in the UK, at Downer EDI in New South Wales, and, for the last nine months, he has worked as a consultant on the Crossrail project in London.
Pinder will officially take on his new role on November 28. Acting V/Line boss Gary Liddle will work in the role until October 28. Chief operating officer Carol-Anne Nelson will act in the role from 29 October to 27 November.
“Mr Pinder’s skills and experience will be invaluable as we expand the regional network, and deliver better infrastructure and services for regional passengers,” Allan said.
“I congratulate Mr Pinder on his appointment, and thank interim CEO Gary Liddle for his leadership throughout his time in the role.”