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The organisational structure will move from a functional based model to a business unit model designed along the core areas of the business - Coal, Diversified Bulk Freight and Iron Ore, Intermodal and Network, as well as central support and planning functions.

Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding said the functional model had served Aurizon well coming out of government ownership and allowed significant cost savings to be achieved by removing duplication and improving processes, systems and practices.

“However, the time is now right to harness those improvements and move to a business unit model to drive our transformation efforts with greater efficiencies, improved customer service and real, sustainable productivity improvements,” Mr Harding said.

“It will provide greater accountability with each business unit being responsible for both operational and financial performance rather than the current model where it is shared across multiple functions.

“The intent is for the new structure to be in place by 1 July this year and as we map out the detail we will keep our customers and employees updated, and consult where necessary. In the interim it will be business as usual.”

Mr Harding also announced a number of senior management changes.

Tina Thomas has been appointed to the position of Executive Vice President Human Resources. When the new organisational structure is in place Tina will also take on responsibility for extra corporate services and that will be determined as part of the work undertaken on the restructure over the next few months. Tina is an experienced senior executive. She spent twenty-four years with Woodside Petroleum Limited in Western Australia including leading both corporate services and human resources functions.

Executive Vice President Customer & Strategy Mauro Neves has resigned effective mid-April to pursue a senior leadership role overseas in the resources sector.

Mr Harding thanked Mauro for his significant contribution to Aurizon during the past three years helping deliver improved commercial focus through a strategic and disciplined approach.

“Ed McKeiver will act in the role of EVP Customer & Strategy. Ed is currently the Vice President Coal in Customer & Strategy and has held a number of senior operational and commercial roles In Aurizon. He will ensure a seamless transition for the Customer & Strategy team and our customers,” he said.

“During the next few months as we move towards the new organisational structure I will announce the make-up of my senior management team and who will lead the various business units and corporate support functions from 1 July. Until then the current leadership structure will remain in place.”