William Tieppo has been appointed CEO of V/Line, taking the reins of the regional operator at a time of major service expansion and infrastructure integration.
Currently Deputy Secretary of Network Design and Integration at the Department of Transport and Planning, Tieppo brings more than 20 years’ experience across transport, infrastructure planning and delivery.
His previous roles include Deputy Secretary for Network Development, Regional Director at VicRoads, and senior executive positions at the City of Greater Geelong.
He formally begins on 25 August, replacing Acting CEO Warwick Horsley, and will lead a workforce of over 2,700 delivering nearly 3,700 weekly train and coach services across Victoria.
Tieppo’s tenure at the Department saw him lead Victoria’s largest-ever rollingstock procurement, and manage the development of state freight and road safety strategies.
He also oversaw operational planning for major infrastructure initiatives – experience likely to be critical as V/Line adjusts to rising patronage and an evolving service profile.
The appointment follows the continued rollout of the Labor Government’s regional fare cap and timetable upgrades, including 90 additional services introduced in 2024 alone.
Most of these have focused on the Geelong line, with 88 new or extended weekend services, alongside a fourth weekend return service on the Warrnambool line.
“We look forward to welcoming Will Tieppo into V/Line as we continue our focus on delivering high quality services on one of the worlds’ fastest growing regional rail networks,” said Chair of the V/Line Board Howard Ronaldson.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams added: “Mr Tieppo brings extensive leadership experience to V/Line that will help Victoria’s regional train and coach network continue to grow, delivering more services and better connectivity for regional passengers.”
Horsley, who has served as Acting CEO since early 2024, is credited with helping steer the organisation through a phase of network transformation involving new trains, upgraded lines and service frequency boosts.
