Australasian Railway Association appoints new CEO

Ms Caroline Wilkie has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA).

Ms Wilkie has been the CEO of Australian Airports Association (AAA) since 2010 and she brings extensive policy experience to the role, with a strong understanding of the nation-building impact of infrastructure investment and how critical transport networks are to connecting urban and regional communities.

“Whether you catch a passenger train, tram or light rail in our cities or work for a business that relies upon the rail freight network, the rail industry touches the lives of so many in our communities in both Australia and New Zealand,” Ms Wilkie said. “Sustainable, efficient and safe rail networks are essential to drive our economies, increase productivity and shape the development of industries across our nations.

“Rail, as the backbone of our evolving freight and passenger transport networks, adds to the social, economic and competitive fabric of both Australia and New Zealand, while addressing the challenges of increasing congestion in our cities and growing the efficiency of our supply chains.

“There is already a strong focus on safety, skills development and the implementation of new technologies within the rail industry and I’m committed to leading these agendas and developing others on behalf of our members.”

Outgoing ARA CEO, Danny Broad, will remain with the ARA, taking up the position of Chairman. He replaces current Chairman, Bob Herbert AM, who has announced he will step down from the Board at the end of this year.

Ms Wilkie will take up her appointment based in Canberra in mid-February 2020.