KiwiRail Group appoints new Group Chief Executive

Media statement
Embargoed until: 11am 14 January 2009

KiwiRail Group appoints new Group Chief Executive

Diversified rail and tourism operator KiwiRail Group has appointed Auckland businessman Jim Quinn as its new Group Chief Executive, the company Chairman Jim Bolger confirmed today.

Mr Quinn is currently Chief Executive Officer of Express Couriers Limited, a joint venture between New Zealand Post and DHL. He will take up his appointment from 1 March 2009.

"Jim Quinn combines experience in the private sector and with a major State Owned Enterprise. He brings to the rail industry experience from his work in the postal, electricity and transport sectors as well as a strong customer service dimension from the courier business,” Jim Bolger said.

"We are delighted that Jim has agreed to join KiwiRail Group. We are confident that he has the leadership qualities to meet the challenges that the rail and ferry business faces in the future.

“This is an exciting time for the business with many opportunities to contribute to improving New Zealand’s essential transport infrastructure.”

Mr Bolger paid tribute to the work of Acting Group Chief Executive William Peet who has led the organisation from the merger of the infrastructure and rail and ferry business on 1 October 2008. He has been Chief Executive of ONTRACK since October 2007.

"William has done an outstanding job in managing the process that resulted in the creation of KiwiRail Group. The Board will be looking to retain his skills for the future."

Before his most recent appointment, Mr Quinn held a number of senior posts within New Zealand Post, including Group General Manager Express and Logistics, General Manager Processing and General Manager Courier Services.

From 1995 - 1997 he was General Manager WEL Energy Group. He also has past experience in the road transport industry with freight and logistics company Freightways.

ENDS

Note: KiwiRail Group is the primary trading name of New Zealand Railways Corporation.

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