ARTC appoints Inland Rail CEO

After an extensive local and international executive search and selection process, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) today announced Richard Wankmuller as the new chief executive officer of the $10 billion Inland Rail program.

April 18, 2018

The whole program Industry Progress Media release

ARTC Chairman Dr Helen Nugent AO said she was delighted to welcome Mr Wankmuller to the company. Mr Wankmuller brings more than 35 years’ experience leading large, complex, global engineering organisations such as Cardno, GHD, Parsons Corporation and MWH.

“With the Australian Government supporting a total investment of $9.3 billion in Inland Rail, and with construction commencing between Parkes and Narromine, Richard joins at an exciting stage of the project,” Dr Nugent said.

Mr Wankmuller brings senior management experience in the private and public sector infrastructure market including fulfilling CEO and Managing Director roles as well as executive and non-executive Board of Director positions with some of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies.

Mr Wankmuller’s global experience extends across many areas including the planning, financing, design and delivery of large infrastructure projects and programs.

“Richard has strong leadership history in engineering services, engineering consultancy and construction delivery and his experience navigating large companies through change are a great fit as the Inland Rail project rapidly grows in scale,” Dr Nugent said.

More recently, Mr Wankmuller has been providing strategic advisory services to infrastructure related projects worldwide and is Chairman of Mercy Ships Australia.

ARTC Managing Director and CEO John Fullerton said Mr Wankmuller is the right person to lead the Inland Rail programme.

“Richard understands the vital nature that rail plays in our national supply chain and recognises the key part the community and our stakeholders have in shaping the successful delivery of the project,” said Mr Fullerton.

“He has a strong focus on customer needs and experience in supporting and building a high-performing, engaged culture to drive the long term success of organisations. It’s great to have him on-board.”

Mr Fullerton also thanked Peter Winder, Group Executive – Interstate, for his stewardship of the Inland Rail Programme as interim CEO.

“Peter has guided the project team through its establishment phase since 2015 and has been instrumental in the achievement of significant milestones not the least bringing the project to construction on the Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail,” said Mr Fullerton.

Mr Wankmuller joins ARTC’s executive leadership team and will report to Mr Fullerton.

He commences in the role 23 April, based out of ARTC’s Brisbane office. After a short handover period, Mr Winder will return to his substantive role leading the Interstate business unit on 1 July.

Media contact: Laura Brice, 0438 668 073


April 18, 2018

The whole program Industry Progress Media release

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