Former KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy returns to the fold

Monday, 2 May 2022

KiwiRail’s former CEO Peter Reidy is returning to the fold.

Former KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy is returning to the job after the sudden departure of previous chief Greg Miller.

Reidy was chief executive of the state-owned rail company from 2014 until 2018, when he left to head Fletcher Building’s construction division.

“Peter stands out for his strong, demonstrated leadership ability, including at KiwiRail itself where he was a highly respected CEO,” KiwiRail chairperson David McLean said in a statement. “He will be returning to KiwiRail where his mana, experience and commercial acumen will be invaluable in leading KiwiRail’s transition to financial sustainability.”

Miller resigned suddenly in November last year, saying sustained allegations in the media were a distraction. KiwiRail did not detail the allegations, but media reports criticised the workplace culture under Miller, who was previously the board chairperson and took over as chief executive in May 2019.

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The Government is investing $8 billion in the rail network, replacing KiwiRail’s ageing locomotives, wagons, and Interislander ferries in an effort to revitalise the service and reduce emissions in line with KiwiRail’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“We require a leader who can hit the ground running for the benefit of our customers, our people and the New Zealand public, and the board is confident that Peter Reidy is that leader,” McLean said.

Reidy said he was excited to be returning to KiwiRail and his focus was on looking forward, not back.

“Much has changed since I was last at the company, especially with the level of government investment which is enabling the purchase of two new state-of-the-art Interislander ferries, new locomotives for the South Island and infrastructure projects that are enhancing the network across the country and especially in Auckland,” he said.

“I am sure that what has not changed is the commitment of a dedicated KiwiRail team who want to deliver on the potential rail has to help New Zealand achieve greenhouse gas emission targets and take pressure off roads by shifting more freight and people on to rail.”

KiwiRail’s acting chief executive David Gordon and acting deputy chief executive Helen Rogers will continue in their roles until Reidy starts at a date yet to be advised.

Fletcher Building chief executive Ross Taylor said under Reidy’s leadership the construction business had been reset on a strong pathway, completing most of its legacy projects, returning to sustainable profitability and growing its forward order book.

Phillip Boylen, who has been with Fletcher’s construction business since 2019, will replace Reidy. Boylen is responsible for Brian Perry Civil and Higgins, which represent round 70% of the construction division's operations.