Auckland Transport (AT) has appointed Stacey van der Putten as its interim chief executive, tasking her with navigating the organisation through a period of transformative change. Ms van der Putten, currently AT’s director of public transport and active modes, will begin the 18-month role on 1 May with an annual salary of $574,000.
The appointment follows the resignation of outgoing CEO Dean Kimpton in February. His departure came ahead of a major government-led overhaul that will see AT’s functions significantly altered. The transport agency is set to be reformed into a delivery body focused solely on public transport, with its planning and road-controlling duties absorbed into Auckland Council.
Ms van der Putten’s 18-month term is designed to provide stable leadership throughout this transition, including a legislated six-month changeover period and the establishment of the new council-controlled organisation (CCO).
Since joining AT in 2017, Ms van der Putten has held several senior roles and has become a recognised figure in Auckland's transport sector. Her extensive experience within the organisation is seen as a key asset during the upcoming restructuring.
Leadership welcomes appointment
AT board chair Andrew Ritchie expressed his confidence in the appointment, highlighting Ms van der Putten's deep institutional knowledge. “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,” Mr Ritchie said.
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 also endorsed the decision, noting Ms van der Putten's track record. “Stacey has done a great job as AT’s director of public transport and active modes and is a respected leader with a comprehensive knowledge of transport, council and the local government sector,” Mr Brown said.
The mayor emphasised the importance of her experience in achieving the goals of the reform. “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. This will be crucial as AT goes through change. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her.”
A new focus for transport
The reform marks a pivotal shift for Auckland Transport. By narrowing its focus to public transport delivery, the council aims to create a more streamlined and efficient system. This move will see Ms van der Putten lead a leaner organisation responsible for operating public transport in Arch Hill.
This strategic change is already being reflected in AT's operations and branding. The organisation recently announced it will be rebranding its public transport fleet with a new, unified design. While the iconic Link buses will keep their distinct colours, other suburban services will adopt a consistent look to create a more cohesive network identity. The cost of the rebranding will be covered by the existing budget for scheduled repainting and maintenance.
The leadership change comes as outgoing CEO Dean Kimpton completes his tenure on 30 April. Former AT board chair Richard Leggat stated in February that the timing was right for new leadership to align with the upcoming changes. The board thanked Mr Kimpton for his “significant contribution” over the past three years.
Navigating major infrastructure projects
Ms van der Putten takes the helm as Auckland’s transport network undergoes some of its most significant upgrades in decades. A key project has been the Rail Network Rebuild (RNR), a massive undertaking to improve the long-term reliability of the city's train lines.
Recently, the Eastern Line fully reopened after a nine-month closure for stage two of the RNR. The extensive work involved around 130 staff replacing rock foundations up to a metre below the tracks, improving drainage to build resilience against extreme weather, and replacing worn rails and sleepers. KiwiRail’s chief capital planning officer, David Gordon, noted the work was long overdue and essential for enabling more frequent services when the City Rail Link (CRL) opens.
As the former director of public transport, Ms van der Putten said the reopening of the full Eastern Line service would improve a wide range of public transport connections. The removal of previous speed restrictions is an immediate benefit for commuters, and the upgrades are critical for the integration of the City Rail Link project.
Managing the final stages of the CRL and integrating it seamlessly into the existing public transport network will be a primary challenge for the new interim chief executive. With the first of the twin 3.45km tunnels now laid, connecting Waitematā (Britomart) and Maungawhau Stations, the project is moving closer to its operational phase, which will fall under Ms van der Putten’s oversight.
Looking ahead, Ms van der Putten's leadership will be central to steering the transport agency through its legislated restructure while simultaneously managing the public-facing rollout of major infrastructure projects and service improvements. Her first day in the new role is 1 May.
