The current managing director and group CEO of multimodal transport operator Kelsian Group has announced he will step back from his role next year.
Clint Feuerherdt has been part of the Kelsian Group for more than 15 years and has been group CEO for the past five years.
With 16 months spent in the managing director’s chair too, Feuerherdt will step back on April 1 next year to assume a role as strategic adviser.
In his place will be current All-Aboard America! Holdings (AAAHI) CEO Graeme Legh, who will become group CEO from April 1 next year.
The search for the new AAAHI CEO is underway, with Legh being appointed in September 2023.
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When Feuerherdt first assumed the role of CEO of Transit Systems Group in 2009, the business had less than $200 million in turnover and only operated public transport in two Australian capital cities.
Now, Kelsian has revenue of more than $2 billion and has operations in four countries and every Australian state.
To better support his young family and wife who also has a significant career with extensive travel and hours of work, Feuerherdt has asked to step back from his executive role and focus his skills and knowledge on various parts of Kelsian where there is opportunity to increase shareholder value either through performance improvement, capital re-allocation or accessing untapped growth opportunities.
“I am extremely proud of our achievements over the past 15 years, particularly now as a successful Australian owned multi-national transport and tourism operator,” he says.
“I am grateful to the Board who have supported my decision to step back from the MD and Group CEO role to balance my time better between my family and select parts of the Kelsian Group that can benefit from my expertise in a concentrated manner for the benefit of shareholders.
“Graeme is an exceptional leader who the executive leadership team hold in the highest regard, and I will support him in any way I can to ensure a seamless transition.”
During the past 15 years, Legh has worked in various strategic and executive roles and gained significant experience of all areas of the Kelsian business. Prior to being appointed CEO of AAAHI, he was Kelsian’s Group Chief Development Officer responsible for the continued growth of the group through the management and execution of tenders, acquisitions, mergers and divestments.
The announcement of this succession coincides with the recent announcement of the review of capital management and allocation and portfolio review. Over the next few months, and in conjunction with Feuerherdt, Legh will be involved in the review process.
After working together for the past 15 years, Feuerherdt and Legh enjoy an excellent working relationship, and the transition is expected to be seamless.
“The Board understands and supports Clint’s decision to step back from his current role with Kelsian to support his family and is delighted he will remain actively involved as a Strategic Adviser on a part-time basis to align with his personal commitments,” Kelsian Chairman iona Hele says.
“The Board is delighted Graeme has agreed to return to Australia to take on the Group CEO role. Graeme has gained significant experience across all aspects of the business in his previous roles and is an excellent executive to lead Kelsian.
“Clint has been an exemplary leader and is a highly respected expert in the transport industry. Clint has built a strong market presence and an operating expertise which is second to none. Clint’s commitment and leadership are greatly appreciated and acknowledged by the Board, and we are thrilled Clint will remain with the Kelsian Group.”
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