The CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Sal Petroccitto OAM, has revealed he will farewell the industry after he successfully led the regulator for more than a decade.
Petroccitto will leave the NHVR on January 24 next year, with NHVR chair Duncan Gay saying the departure of Petroccitto highlights the great shape he will leave the regulator in following “an unheralded period of achievements” in establishing a modern and respected national body.
“On behalf of the NHVR Board, staff and the road transport industry, I want to share my sincere thanks to Sal for his outstanding dedication and passion in championing better outcomes for the safety and livelihood of the heavy vehicle industry and all road users,” Gay says.
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“Sal has worked tirelessly to build industry trust and respect to ensure the modern regulatory approach being implemented by the NHVR will achieve genuine and tangible national safety and productivity reform.
“His no nonsense and practical approach in “saying it as it is” was embraced by industry and a critical part of the partnership and trust he built.
“Sal drove the successful transition of participating state-based regulatory functions to establish the NHVR.
“Under Sal’s leadership, we are now seeing consistent enforcement and education outcomes paving the way for more on-road consistency.
“This includes leaving a legacy of achieving genuine safety behavioural change and improved culture through the establishment of an inform, educate and enforce approach to compliance.
“Sal’s hard work is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive sentiments voiced by transport operators and drivers right across the country, in his interactions with his staff and in many customer champion awards achieved by the NHVR.
“On a personal level, I have enjoyed our great professional relationships and have valued working alongside Sal and I consider him a good friend.
“I know Sal will be greatly missed by the industry and his staff.”
Petroccitto informed the NHVR Board last month of his decision to resign as the CEO.
Gay says an extensive nationwide recruitment process will commence over the coming weeks to appoint a new CEO to the NHVR.
“It is with mixed emotions today that I announce my resignation as the Chief Executive Officer of the NHVR,” Petroccitto says.
“It is difficult to fully express the rewarding journey I have been on both personally and professionally since commencing as the CEO of the NHVR in May 2014.
“I knew the challenges that laid ahead and embraced them to prove we could deliver one of the largest national reform programs in this country. I’m so proud to say that we did it!
“My priority has always been about getting better outcomes for the safety and the lives of the people that perform the vital task of servicing our communities every day.
“The best part of my job was getting to meet and learn about the many remarkable and passionate people across our country who work so hard in one of the toughest industries. From chatting on the roadside, at an event or over the phone – I appreciated the openness and honesty from everyone, telling me what needed to be fixed and of course the character assessments along the way!!
“I am blown away by the creative and talented people I have had the pleasure of working with across the industry and government, and importantly my wonderful NHVR employees. I am privileged to work with people who have such drive and dedication to positive change.
“Leading and establishing a modern award-winning customer focused organisation has been the absolute highlight of my professional career. I take great pride in the leadership team I have led; their commitment and trust has made my job so much easier. It is now time to hand the (steering) wheel over to someone new.
“While I have a couple of months left before, I bid farewell I would like to sincerely thank the NHVR Board for their guidance and all of you who have supported me over the years.
“I hope the small part I have played will leave a legacy where industry feels respected and heard and can continue to work openly with the regulator and government to achieve the common goal of keeping our roadsides safe and trucks moving.
“I sincerely thank you all. Stay Safe.”
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