Kinetic appoints ex-Kelsian executive to oversee Australian operations
Kinetic is delighted to announce the appointment of experienced transport executive Greg Balkin to the company’s senior leadership team as Managing Director (Australia).
Mr Balkin joins Kinetic from the Kelsian Group (formerly SeaLink Travel Group), where he has served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all aspects of its Australian bus operations and Brisbane's RiverCity Ferries.
He brings a wealth of experience in the passenger transport industry, holding previous senior roles within the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads as well as at Transit Systems and Transdev.
Kinetic Co-CEO Michael Sewards says the company was excited to welcome Mr Balkin on board when he officially commences in the role on September 18.
“Greg joins us with extensive industry experience and a proven track record of success at a strategic and operational level, making him a perfect fit to lead our operations in Australia,” Mr Sewards says.
“Kinetic has come a long way in the Australian market over the past few years, growing from a single SkyBus operation to become one of the largest and most esteemed mass transit bus platforms in the region.
“We look forward to the fresh perspectives and business acumen Greg will bring to our organisation as we continue to grow our operations in Australia.”
Mr Balkin’s appointment follows the departure of current Managing Director (Australia) Matt Carney, who is joining Kinetic’s operations in the UK as CEO - Bus at Go-Ahead.
Kinetic is the majority owner of the UK-based international transport group with 6,000 buses, six rail franchises and over 26,000 employees alongside joint venture partner Globalvia.
Mr Carney’s exceptional support and guidance have been instrumental in propelling Kinetic’s success in the Australian market and Mr Sewards says he will continue to drive operational excellence in the UK.
“Matt has been a pivotal figure for Kinetic in recent years and he will add valuable leadership experience to our team in the UK and help Go-Ahead continue realising its global growth and industry leadership ambitions,” Mr Sewards says.
“We’re excited for Matt to share his knowledge and best practices in operational excellence at Go-Ahead, while also championing our core sustainability goals – including the accelerated transition to net zero.”
“With the appointment of Greg and Matt to key roles overseeing our operations in Australia and the UK respectively, I’m confident Kinetic has the leadership pillars in place to grow our reputation for excellence and make a positive impact in the transport industry through moving people and enhancing communities.”
Kinetic is Australasia's biggest bus operator, with 7,400 employees moving over 100 million passengers a year, and a global, multi-modal transport network through Go-Ahead with rail and bus services across the UK, Europe and in Singapore.
A leader in the roll-out of battery electric buses (BEB), Kinetic is working towards a 100% zero emission bus fleet by 2035. This year Kinetic’s zero emission fleet will grow to 300 in Australasia and over 1,000 globally.
Further enquiries
Barrett Gibson
GM - Marketing & Communications
0424 647 488
barrettg@wearekinetic.com