For some time now, KiwiRail has been undergoing a massive transformation and growth programme. Fueled by over NZ$8bn of investment by the New Zealand Government, new Chair, David McLean, has strengthened his Board with the key appointments of Ed Sims, Rob Jager and Liz Ward bringing new strategic and commercial/operational experience to compliment existing Directors.

To lead this change program, Peter Reidy was appointed in late 2022 as Chief Executive to confirm the ‘go forward’ strategy, put in place a new organisational structure to support this strategy and then appoint a refreshed leadership team to drive and enhance pan-business capability, performance and readiness for the billions of dollars of new equipment that will enable KiwiRail to play a strong and sustainable leadership role in the new Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain ecosystem.

No longer managing decline or ‘business as usual’,  the emphasis is now on growth and the development of new revenue streams.

A key part of this is the establishment of the Chief Customer and Growth role, and we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Adele Wilson to define and lead this inaugural position.

Adele will support and enable the organisation’s transformation plan through leadership of sales and marketing, brand development, customer insights and innovation to achieve growth. She will have a significant strategic, cultural and people leadership role, ensuring that KiwiRail is building the strategic capability to deliver transformation outcomes for its customers, people, shareholders and all New Zealand.

Adele’s recent career includes six years at the helm of the Fonterra Brands New Zealand’s Export business, leading significant growth into international markets through a period of unprecedented challenge and change. In this role she led a diverse portfolio including Fonterra’s Ingredient, Foodservice and Consumer businesses across 18 markets. Throughout her career with Fonterra, she has held a range of senior roles and responsibilities and worked across legal, M&A and transformation projects.

Many thanks to the KiwiRail Account Team – Simon Monks, Natalie Stones, Nicola Mirza, Barbara Taylor, Katie Mills and Wendy Sole.