After more than four years in the top spot, Queensland Rail's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nick Easy, is moving on.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey praised Nick for his dedication to the organisation.
"After arriving at Queensland Rail during what was a notably challenging time, Nick has worked hard to positively reform the organisation and leaves it now in good shape," Mr Bailey said.
"I've enjoyed working alongside Mr Easy to deliver substantial improvements to the Queensland Rail network, and thank him for his years of service and leadership.
"I wish him and his family well for the future."
Looking to the future, Mr Bailey said a recruitment process would get underway to fill the vacancy.
"A competitive, merit-based recruitment process will now be undertaken to find the next Queensland Rail CEO," he said.
"While Nick's successor will have big shoes to fill, this is an exciting time for rail in the state.
"With Cross River Rail only a few years away and $7.1 billion invested in the sector, I look forward to working closely with the incoming CEO on these transformational projects."
Queensland Rail's Chair, David Marchant, said he – and the Queensland Rail team – wished Mr Easy all the best for his future and expressed their heart-felt thanks and gratitude for his outstanding service and leadership to Queensland Rail and his unwavering focus on delivering reliable, world-class services for Queenslanders.
"Nick joined Queensland Rail after the turbulent events of 2016 and has led the organisation through some significant milestones and achievements during his term, including the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations, a successful Commonwealth Games, the integration of the New Generation Rollingstock to the South East Queensland network, and QR's return to a full-service timetable," Mr Marchant said.
"Queensland Rail is now delivering more services than ever before for South East Queenslanders, with sustained on-time running results.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Nick on his outstanding leadership and achievements. His warmth, objectivity and calm demeanour have been incredible assets in the development of a strong and cohesive leadership team.
"His guidance has set Queensland Rail up for an exciting future in achieving our vision of being a world-class rail operator for Queensland."
Outgoing CEO Nick Easy said after much careful and considered deliberation in recent months, he had made the difficult decision to leave Queensland Rail to be closer to his family in Melbourne.
"It has been a pleasure working with the Queensland Government, Board, Executive Leadership Team and all the dedicated Queensland Rail staff to provide reliable and expanded services to our customers," Mr Easy said.
"Queensland Rail provides such an important role in connecting communities by moving customers as part of an integrated public transport network.
"With record investment in rail, and exciting projects including Cross River Rail and the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon, the organisation has an exciting future ahead.
"I'm incredibly proud to see our teams sustainably delivering more services for South East commuters than ever before, following a number of timetable improvements since 2019 including 105 new and extended shoulder peak services added in August 2020 to aid social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'd like to extend my thanks to the entire Queensland Rail team for working so incredibly hard day in, day out to transform Queensland Rail and ensure we deliver for our customers and stakeholders."
