KiwiRail’s board chair, David McLean, has announced his early retirement, effective July 31, after notifying Finance Minister Nicola Willis and State Owned Enterprises Minister Paul Goldsmith.
McLean, who was appointed to KiwiRail in 2021 after a tenure at Westpac, stated that stepping aside at the start of the new financial year would benefit the organisation as it embarks on a new ‘developmental phase.’
According to state media, despite recent criticism from Transport Minister Simeon Brown regarding KiwiRail’s ferry maintenance program, McLean’s retirement is not connected to the recent Aratere incident.
McLean said he was proud of KiwiRail’s role in New Zealand’s transport infrastructure and its contribution to the ‘low carbon economy’, highlighting the organisation’s improved stability and strength during his tenure. He credited CEO Peter Reidy and the KiwiRail team for their dedication and support, which he believes will drive the company’s future success. McLean’s background includes leadership roles at Victoria University of Wellington, Westpac, and Kiwi Group Capital.
This article was originally published at DTNZ.
