Former NTC executive now heading Austroads' operations
Peak roads authority Austroads has announced Dr Geoff Allan as its new chief operating officer, who completes his switch from the National Transport Commission (NTC).
He arrives after the retirement of David Francis, “who has been a greatly valued member of the Austroads team for more than 16 years”, the agency notes.
Allan was most recently COO at the NTC since 2014, with a short tenure as acting CEO between Paul Retter’s departure and Gillian Miles’ appointment earlier this year.
“Geoff has a background in transport and experience working across Australasia,” Austroads says.
“He has worked in the Commonwealth Department of Transport and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“He has recently spent nearly six years as chief operating officer for the National Transport Commission during which time he helped build the skills and confidence of staff to deliver complex reforms in a challenging multi-jurisdictional environment.
“Geoff holds a PhD in public sector management, and has worked in high-profile roles for Queensland Corrective Services, Department of Communities (Queensland) and Queensland Environmental Protection Agency.”
One of Allan’s later NTC projects was probing the future of automated vehicles
Francis was COO for more than four years, aiding in the development, management and reporting of Austroads’ projects.
“Before his promotion, he was Manager Program Support for nearly 12 years,” Austroads notes.
“David has been awarded the Austroads Medal for Outstanding Service and the Centre for Pavement Engineering Education Certificate of Appreciation for his significant contribution to the professionalism of Austroads and its strong relationships with stakeholders.”