FORMER KiwiRail CEO, Mr Peter Reidy, has been reappointed after nearly four years as CEO at Fletcher Construction, following the sudden resignation of Mr Greg Miller in November.
Miller resigned after advising the board of KiwiRail that “sustained allegations in the media,” which he has rejected, had become too much of a distraction.
KiwiRail chairman, Mr David McLean, who was appointed in December 2021, said the board was impressed by the number and calibre of applicants for the CEO vacancy.
“Peter stands out for his strong, demonstrated leadership ability, including at KiwiRail itself where he was a highly respected CEO from 2014 until he left in 2018 and took up the opportunity to lead New Zealand’s biggest infrastructure group,” McLean says. “I’m delighted that he will be returning to KiwiRail where his mana, experience and commercial acumen will be invaluable in leading KiwiRail’s transition to financial sustainability.
“KiwiRail is busy delivering a vital programme of $NZ 8bn ($US 5.13bn) of government investment, redressing years of decline. Alongside a government commitment to invest in the national rail network on an ongoing basis, the company is pursuing a strategy which will see it run its ‘above rail’ freight and passenger operations and Interislander ferries in a commercially successful way.”
Reidy said he was excited to be returning to KiwiRail and his focus was on looking forward, not back.
“Much has changed since I was last at the company, especially with the level of government investment which is enabling the purchase of two new state-of-the-art Interislander ferries, new locomotives for the South Island and infrastructure projects that are enhancing the network across the country, and especially in Auckland,” he says. “I am sure that what has not changed is the commitment of a dedicated KiwiRail team who want to deliver on the potential rail has to help New Zealand achieve greenhouse gas emission targets and take pressure off roads by shifting more freight and people on to rail.”
Reidy’s start date will be announced soon. In the meantime, Mr David Gordon will remain as acting group chief executive and Ms Helen Rogers as acting deputy chief executive.
