TasRail has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, following a highly competitive recruitment process.
Steven Dietrich will replace Damien White as the company’s new CEO.
Mr Dietrich will transition into the role with the support of Mr White, whose contract concludes in late April 2018.
Mr Dietrich, who joined TasRail in June 2010 as the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, has almost three decades of hands-on management experience in logistics and infrastructure with publicly listed and state-owned companies, including BOOM Logistics, Pacific National, Toll Shipping and CHEP.
Mr Dietrich said he looked forward to leading the TasRail team and business during an unprecedented chapter in Tasmania’s 150-year rail history.
“The State and Federal Governments are investing more than $324 million into Tasmania’s rail network to negate decades of infrastructure spending neglect to ensure TasRail can deliver freight in a timely, safe and competitive manner on behalf of its highly-valued customers,” Mr Dietrich said.
“This is an extremely exciting opportunity to cement a sense of purpose and connection for our people and cultivate a progressive, motivated, creative, innovative and forward thinking team culture to underpin future business growth, safety and sustainability.”
TasRail Chairman, Samantha Hogg, congratulated Mr Dietrich on his appointment.
“We are confident that Steve will implement the TasRail Board’s Strategic Direction as we utilise the new infrastructure and rolling stock to focus on further growth in the Above Rail commercial logistics business,” Ms Hogg said.
Ms Hogg also paid tribute to Mr White, who has led TaRail for the past eight years.
“I would like to sincerely thank Damien for his vision, energy, hard work and leadership, especially in overseeing the vital upgrades to the rail network, terminals, train control system, and locomotives and wagon fleet.
“TasRail’s exemplary safety statistics and the dramatic reduction in the number of derailments are testament to his commitment to safety and innovation excellence.”
