Coinciding with the appointment of Peter Reidy as Chief Executive and a major review of strategy and organisational structure, Chair David McLean has moved to realign Board capability with proven skillsets and experience base that will better enable KiwiRail to successfully meet both the challenges and opportunities that will occur during this significant transformation and growth program.

In addition to his extensive transformation experience, Ed brings 40 years in aviation, logistics, transportation, and wholesale/retail industries spanning the private and public sectors of the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Most recently CEO of WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, Ed oversaw 180 aircraftS,14,500 employees and a turnover of over $5bn CAD. Prior to that, he spent six years CEO of SOE Airways, managing 30 million kms of airspace for New Zealand’s air traffic controller. Over this time Airways built a world leading reputation for safety, operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Ed’s earlier executive career was with Air New Zealand where he was responsible for restoring the commercial strength and reputation of the international airline.

Over the last decade, Ed’s Board and governance experience has included organisations like CarbonClick, the Canadian Business Council as Global Chair of CANSO and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation.