Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and V/Line Board Chair Jenny Dawson today announced the appointment of James Pinder as Chief Executive Officer of V/Line.
Mr Pinder has more than 32 years’ experience in the rail industry, including as General Manager Rolling Stock at Metro Trains Melbourne and Fleet Manager at Southern Railway in the UK.
He has also worked with Downer EDI in New South Wales, and for the last nine months he has worked as a consultant on the Crossrail project in London.
Mr Pinder, who will officially take on his new role on 28 November, will lead a team of more than 1,600 employees delivering nearly 3,000 train and coach services to regional Victorians each week.
His appointment comes at a time of significant growth in the regional network. More than 340 extra services were added last year with the completion of the Regional Rail Link project, and 170 more services will begin next year.
Major projects like the $518 million Ballarat line upgrade, and the ongoing delivery of 48 new regional carriages will enable further growth in services as more regional Victorians use public transport.
Acting V/Line CEO Gary Liddle will wrap up on Friday 28 October. Chief Operating Officer Carol-Anne Nelson will act in the role from 29 October to 27 November.
Mr Liddle has played an integral part in strengthening V/Line, so it can deliver the regional services passengers expect and deserve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Mr Pinder’s skills and experience will be invaluable as we expand the regional network, and deliver better infrastructure and services for regional passengers.”
“I congratulate Mr Pinder on his appointment, and thank interim CEO Gary Liddle for his leadership throughout his time in the role.”
Quotes attributable to Chair of the V/Line Board Jenny Dawson
“Mr Pinder is the right person to lead V/Line during this time of growth and investment in the organisation, and regional services.”
“I thank Gary Liddle for his tremendous service to V/Line and regional passengers over the last nine months, and wish him well for the future.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020