Auckland Transport has announced a new interim chief executive, with Stacey van der Putten to take over as the next temporary leader of the organisation.
According to RNZ, Van der Putten will assume the role next month, building on her involvement with Auckland Transport after joining the organisation in 2017.
Starting as the manager of metro facilities, she has risen to being an executive general manager of safety and public transport services before most recently being the organisation’s director of public transport and active modes.
Auckland Transport board chair Andrew Ritchie says she brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
“The board and I are thrilled Stacey has accepted the role, which comes at a critical moment as we prepare for upcoming changes to transport governance in Auckland,” Ritchie says.
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“Stacey is a highly respected transport leader who has served in a number of roles at Auckland Transport since 2017.
“She has a deep understanding of the transport system in Auckland, and is highly regarded locally and across the sector.”
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown backed the appointment, saying van der Putten has done “a great job” as the director of public transport and active modes.
“She is well versed on the complexities of the transport transition programme, and the expectations of what we want out of this reform, which is to ensure AT is ready to be strictly a delivery agency for public transport,” Brown says.
“This will be crucial as AT goes through change. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her.”
Van der Putten takes over from outgoing chief executive Dean Kimpton on May 1, with Ritchie paying tribute to Kimpton.
“Dean has made a significant contribution to AT over the past three years. The AT Board wishes Dean all the very best for his future endeavours and thanks him for his leadership and delivering outcomes for Aucklanders,” Ritchie says.
