Board of Directors

John Spencer

Chair

John Spencer is a Wellington-based businessman and company director. His most recent role was Deputy Chairman of Solid Energy, one of KiwiRail’s largest customers. His background includes a period as the Chief Executive of NZ Dairy Group - one of the two dairy companies that merged to form Fonterra.

He retains his interest in the dairy industry with a seat on the board of DairyNZ. He also led the merger of Asure NZ Ltd and AgriQuality Ltd in 2007 to form AsureQuality Ltd. John is also Chairman of Tainui Group Holdings Ltd and WEL Networks. He serves on the board of Tower Limited, and Dispute Resolutions Ltd. He is also an Independent Advisor to the Board of Mitre 10 Group.

Paula Rebstock

Deputy Chair

Paula Rebstock is an Auckland-based economist and company director. She is Chairwoman of the Insurance and Savings Commission, Director of Synergia Ltd, Health Benefits Ltd, ACC, Health Alliance Limited, and a Director/Shareholder of Phoenix Limited. She is a Member of the University of Auckland Business School Advisory Board and the Probation Service Governance Board. She is also the Financial Performance Auditor for Nga Puhi Trust Board, the Lead Reviewer for the Review of the Crown Law Office, Ministries of MPIA, MWA, CLO, DOL, DOC and ERO.

Bob Field

Director

Bob Field is currently Chair of Toyota New Zealand after 40 years international experience in the motor industry, including 25 years as Toyota’s CEO in New Zealand. He is Chair of the NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development, Chair of CMD Nominees Ltd and an alumnus member of the NZ Business Roundtable. He is also a Director of both the NZ Rugby Union and NZ Rugby Promotions Ltd, and an Advisor for Emirates Team NZ.

Kevin Thompson

Director

Kevin Thompson comes to KiwiRail after 13 years with OPUS International Consultants Ltd including his role as Chief Executive Officer from 2001 and Managing Director from 2007. Prior to OPUS, Dr Thompson was Chief Executive of Works Civil Construction Ltd, now known as Downer EDI Works Ltd. He is Chairman of both the Security and Reliability Council for Electricity Authority, and the Electricity Industry Group for Business NZ. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Wellington Catholic Homes Trust, a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, and a Distinguished Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand.

Rebecca Thomas (Mrs Rebecca Eele)

Director

Rebecca Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in financial markets in New Zealand and overseas. She has a background in law and business having held roles as both a CEO and Independent Director on UK-based Boards. She is a Director of Mint Asset Management Ltd, Black and White Group Ltd, and an Associate Member of the Foundation Board of the Financial Markets Authority.

Mark Tume

Director

Mark Tume is a professional director with significant experience in the infrastructure sector. He currently holds a number of directorships in New Zealand and Australia, including Infratil, New Zealand Refining Company, Victoria Electricity Pty Ltd and Guardians of The New Zealand Superannuation Fund.