01/14/09

KiwiRail Group has appointed Auckland businessman Jim Quinn as its new Group Chief Executive.

Mr Quinn is currently Chief Executive Officer of Express Couriers Limited, a joint venture between New Zealand Post and DHL. He will take up his appointment from 1 March 2009.

 

KiwiRail Group Chairman Jim Bolger says Jim Quinn combines experience in the private sector and with a major State Owned Enterprise. "He brings to the rail industry experience from his work in the postal, electricity and transport sectors as well as a strong customer service dimension from the courier business," Jim Bolger said.

 

"We are delighted that Jim has agreed to join KiwiRail Group. We are confident that he has the leadership qualities to meet the challenges that the rail and ferry business faces in the future.

 

"This is an exciting time for the business with many opportunities to contribute to improving New Zealand's essential transport infrastructure."

 

Before his most recent appointment, Mr Quinn held a number of senior posts within New Zealand Post, including Group General Manager Express and Logistics, General Manager Processing and General Manager Courier Services.

 

From 1995 - 1997 he was General Manager WEL Energy Group. He also has past experience in the road transport industry with freight and logistics company Freightways.

 

Jim Quinn says he's excited by his appointment and is looking forward to starting on 1 March

 

"I'm delighted to have the opportunity to become involved in such a great industry particularly one that has experienced such dramatic shifts over the years and is now coming together again. I love services businesses and I enjoy creating teams that can deliver service and have fun at the same time.

 

"I also enjoy the challenge of working in a business that has to meet commercial goals but also meet its obligation to demonstrate social responsibility. There is a tension between the two, but I see that as positive rather than negative.

 

"I don't have direct rail experience, but my work in the postal, electricity and transport industries will serve me well. I am aware that there is a great deal of specialised rail knowledge within KiwiRail Group and I am confident I can utilise this.

 

Jim Quinn currently lives in Auckland, is married to Debby and has three daughters. He lists his interests as his family, golf, music and most sports.

 

Mr Bolger paid tribute to the work of Acting Group Chief Executive William Peet who has led the organisation from the merger of the infrastructure and rail and ferry business on 1 October 2008. He has been Chief Executive of ONTRACK since October 2007.

 

"William has done an outstanding job in managing the process that resulted in the creation of KiwiRail Group. The Board will be looking to retain his skills for the future."

 

Category: KiwiRail Group

Posted by: Nigel Parry

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