QR National has secured Australian transport industry executive and ex-CFO of Virgin Blue, Keith Neate to join its coal business.
QR National runs Australia’s largest coal haulage business with about 200 million tonnes and revenue in excess of $1.5 billion per annum.
“We are pleased to have attracted such a well-credentialed executive with global experience to assist with the ongoing reform of this growing business,” Managing Director & CEO Lance Hockridge said.
“Keith joins at an extraordinarily important time for QR National Coal, when we’re seeing unprecedented growth in the coal industry and an increasingly competitive market in coal haulage.”
Mr Neate was the CFO at Virgin Blue for the last eight years. Before joining Virgin Blue, Keith spent 15 years at KPMG, mainly in the UK, working in a variety of senior accountancy roles.
He will join QR National as the CFO QR National Coal in August reporting to Marcus McAuliffe, Executive Vice President and CEO Coal Operations, QR National Coal.
Mr Hockridge also announced that Credit Suisse executive, Prue Mackenzie would join the QR National leadership team in the role of General Manager Commercial.
Ms Mackenzie has been Vice President of the Australian Equity Capital Markets team for Credit Suisse. She has a wealth of experience and also played a role during QR National's float last year in which Credit Suisse was a joint lead manager.
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of such a well regarded professional in the Australian financial markets," Mr Hockridge said.
"Prue will play an important role at QR National by helping identify strategic, commercial projects to aid our future growth and development."
Ms Mackenzie, who will report to Chief Financial Officer Deborah O'Toole, commences her role on 16 May.