News

Managing Director & CEO Lance Hockridge said Mike Franczak joined Aurizon in 2013 after a long career with Canada's second largest railroad, Canadian Pacific and would be leaving in March 2016 by mutual agreement.

"As we indicated at the time, we brought Mike in to bring our operating metrics in line with the North American Class 1 Railways," Mr Hockridge said.

"He has delivered and has played a role in the ongoing success of our operational transformation. Our key operating metrics have improved and are trending towards and in some cases exceeding the performance of the Class 1 Railways.

"I would like to thank Mike for the work he has done. His experience has been invaluable in helping the team achieve many of the performance targets we set our company in recent years."

Mr Hockridge said a global recruitment process would be undertaken to fill the role permanently however the bench strength of the Aurizon team was strong and there was a number of outstanding internal candidates.

He said in the interim Michael Carter would move into the role as acting Executive Vice President Operations effective from January 1 and Mike will be available to assist with the transition before his departure in March.

"Michael is currently the Executive Vice President Strategy and Business Development and has broad experience in leadership roles over a long career in the rail industry, including freight, passenger and heavy haul rail operations.

"We have set very clear targets to the market in terms of cost outs and performance improvements.

"I will also be working closely with the teams to ensure a seamless transition and help our highly experienced and capable leadership team in Operations deliver on our targets and our next phase of reform and growth."

Mr Hockridge said during this period Vice President Business Development David Welch would act in the role of Executive Vice President Strategy and Business Development.

Background
Michael Carter, B Eng. B.Bus. MAICD, AFAIM

Michael has broad experience in leadership roles over a 25 year career in the rail industry. He was Advisor to the London Underground during its restructuring and is a former Director of the Rail Industry Safety Standards Board, the Australian Logistics Council and the Australasian Rail Association. Michael is also a former member of the Union of International Railways Executive Council.

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Email: media@aurizon.com.au