New ARTC and SCT appointments make their mark
Public and private rail entities the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and SCT Logistics have both announced leadership changes.
Mark Campbell will lead the ARTC for the next five years after his appointment as managing director and chief executive officer.
Campbell was CEO and MD of construction materials firm Holcim Australia and New Zealand, where he had been for more than 20 years in various iterations.
He replaces John Fullerton, who most notably oversaw the start of the Inland Rail project.
Federal transport minister Michael McCormack welcomes the ARTC board’s decision to appoint Campbell.
“We look forward to working closely with Mr Campbell and continuing a strong professional relationship with the ARTC board and management as we deliver the 1,700-kilometre Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail and improve and maintain some 8,500-kilometres of rail,” McCormack says.
“The rail network connects Australians and delivers products and produce across the country, providing a fast, efficient freight alternative while alleviating congestion on our roads, reduce transport costs and improve overall road safety for everyone.
“I want to thank outgoing CEO and Managing Director John Fullerton for his leadership of ARTC since 2011, where he has worked diligently in the national interest to deliver significant Australian Government investment in rail projects and initiatives.”
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) CEO Kirk Coningham also congratuates Campbell on his appointment.
“ARTC has been a long-standing Corporate Member of ALC and our organisations have worked together closely to secure regulatory and investment outcomes that support the vital role rail plays in Australia’s national freight network,” Coningham says.
“Mr Campbell’s extensive prior experience in the construction and infrastructure sectors means he is well-placed to continue driving the improvements to rail infrastructure and safety which are at the heart of all ARTC’s activities.
“ALC also takes this opportunity to again acknowledge the substantial contribution that retiring CEO John Fullerton has made in his role since 2011.
“John’s industry expertise, customer focus and his passion for enhancing rail’s role in the national supply chain has helped to shape ALC’s policy positions over many years.”
“ALC looks forward to working closely with Mr Campbell and the entire ARTC team when he takes up his new position.”
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Meanwhile, integrated rail and logistics provider SCT Logistics has announced that its owner and founder, Peter Smith, is stepping down as chairman and will remain on the board as a non-executive director.
He is succeeded by Mark Stone, most recently the long-term CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce.
Smith chaired the SCT Group for over two decades, having worked in the transport industry for over 50 years and pioneering rail privatisation, the company notes.
“The fundamentals of moving freight from A to B whichever the mode is the same today as they were when I started.” Smith says.
“You just need to look after your customers, hire the best people, be as innovative as you can and do the job smarter than the next bloke.
“I am fortunate to be able to work with my boys, with a loyal group of directors and the incredibly committed management team we have at SCT today.
“I do however recognize that change within any business is necessary and, on that note, I am excited to announce Mark Stone AM as our new chairman.
“Having dealt with Mark for a number of years, I have no doubt that he will represent our company well, re-energise our corporate board and provide solid management oversight”.
Stone was also recently appointed the chair of Goulburn Valley Water.
“I have worked with SCT for a number of years through their association with the Victorian Chamber and relish the opportunity to chair such a dynamic and innovative company,” he says.