For Immediate Release 14 August 2002
TRANZ RAIL APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN, NEW DIRECTOR
Tranz Rail has named recently appointed New Zealand based director Wayne Walden as its new chairman and added another
New Zealander, Roger Armstrong, to its board.
These most recent changes reflect the company's move towards appointing a board that reflects its predominantly New
Zealand based ownership.
Mr Walden replaces Robert Wheeler, who is retiring from the board. Mr Wheeler had been chairman since August 1999 and a
director since 1993.
Mr Walden was appointed a director in July. He has more than 30 years experience in the retail and wholesale sectors
(most recently as Managing Director of Farmers Deka) and is Deputy Chairman of Meat New Zealand and a director of Mighty
River Power.
Mr Armstrong is well known throughout New Zealand's financial community as an independent financial analyst providing
research for sharebrokers, institutions and corporates. After a two-year period with Treasury in 1981- 82 he went on to
hold a number of Analyst, Head of Research and Senior Analyst positions within prominent investment banks and
institutions. He is also well known as a media commentator on financial matters.
Three other long-serving directors Francis Small, Thomas Power and Kenneth Bowell have joined Mr Wheeler in deciding to
step down from the current Tranz Rail board. Mr Small and Mr Power have been directors since 1993 and Mr Bowell joined
the board in 1994.
Tranz Rail signalled its intention to make board changes at last December's annual meeting, and following significant
ownership changes earlier this year announced its intention to bring a more New Zealand focus to the board.
"We wanted high calibre and experienced people for the job and we've taken our time to make sure we've got them," said
managing director Michael Beard.
Mr Walden, the incoming chairman, said the contribution of those leaving the board could not be underestimated.
"Tranz Rail has been through an intensive, long-term restructuring programme during which there have been many difficult
decisions. However the company is now on a very solid foundation having come through nearly two years of restructuring,
and is well-placed to go forward," says Mr Walden.
"Given the recent changes in ownership, the near completion of restructuring and the forward looking company strategy
for growth it is appropriate that a new board is in place to drive towards that goal of being New Zealand's No.1 freight
company."
New Zealand investors own about 70% of Tranz Rail after major changes to the share register in February when Canadian
National (formerly Wisconsin Central Transportation) sold its 24% stake and Fay Richwhite sold its 14% stake.
In February, John Loughlin, the Chief Executive and a Director of the Richmond Meat Company, became a Tranz Rail
Director, replacing Carl Ferenbach.
Mr Walden and Jon Cimino joined Mr Loughlin on the board last month. Mr Cimino is the Chairman of UBS Warburg NZ, a
Director of Waste Management NZ and Genesis Research and Development, and a member of the New Zealand Stock Exchange
Market Surveillance Panel. Overseas-based Director David Richwhite left last month.
The new-look board now comprises: Mr Walden (Chairman), Mr Armstrong, Mr Beard (Managing Director), Mr Cimino, Leigh
Davis, Mr Loughlin and Thomas Rissman.
ENDS