Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ), a leading Australian railway owner and operator, today announced the appointment of Mr Tim Poole as a new independent non-executive director and Chairman elect.
Following a wide external and internal search, Mr Poole will become a director on 1 July 2015 and take over as the group's Chairman on 1 September 2015. Mr Poole will replace Aurizon's current Chairman, Mr JB Prescott AC, who's been in the role since 2010.
"Tim brings proven, highly relevant and impressive credentials to the Board of Aurizon," Mr Prescott said. "Tim's success in leading large institutional investment organisations reflects both his strategic insight and analytical skill as well as a strong focus on good corporate governance and creating value for shareholders."
Mr Poole started his career at accounting giant, Price Waterhouse, before helping build Hastings Funds Management. He is currently chairman of the investment committee of AustralianSuper; chairman of infrastructure and debt investor, Westbourne Capital; and chairman of Lifestyle Communities Limited (ASX: LIC).
He is also a non-executive director of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM), McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS), and Japara Healthcare Limited (ASX: JHC).
"I am delighted to be joining Aurizon as it enters the next stage of development," Mr Poole said. "I am looking forward to working with the Aurizon team to deliver value for shareholders."
In early morning trade, shares of Aurizon were trending 2.12% lower.
