Kinetic’s Future CEO program graduate to take on key position in South-East Queensland

In the space of 12 months, Kinetic’s pioneering Future CEO program has successfully attracted and elevated an executive manager from a nationwide retailer into a senior leadership role driving transformation in transport.

Keely Abbot never imagined her career would see her driving buses. As the first of two women to participate in the inaugural leadership program, she’s now been appointed to manage a significant bus operation serving communities on Queensland’s scenic Sunshine Coast.

Keely left her role as Executive Manager Store Operations with Aldi Australia, attracted by the prospect of an exciting new sector that literally moves people.

Of more than 170 applications, she gained entry to the program which aims to foster the growth and development of female leadership and transform gender balance in the industry.

Keely said the experience has been life changing and the opportunity to now play a key leadership role in South-East Queensland operations will be an exciting new chapter.

“Over the past 12 months I have been given the ability to further develop my leadership skills through professional development with the Lead The Way program while also gaining first-hand experience across the business, supported by transport industry experts,” Ms Abbot said.

“Starting my transport industry career as part of the Future CEO program and the in-depth knowledge I’ve gained will serve me well as I embark on this next step in my journey.

“There have been many highlights along the way from working in operations control to assisting our dedicated mechanics in fleet maintenance but the best experience by far has been the conversations with children when driving a bus.

“On many occasions I’ve had young girls surprised to see me behind the wheel and ask me what it is like to drive a bus and their faces light up when I tell them its lots of fun and they can do it one day too.”

The Future CEO program is a structured 18-month program that provides mentoring and exposure to all areas of mass transportation operation.

Martin Hall, Executive General Manager for South East Queensland and Tweed said the industry insights gained by Keely in addition to her strong professional background will serve her well on the Sunshine Coast.

“Our Sunshine Coast operation is a key part of our business in Queensland and it is exciting that Keely will be playing an important role in our transition towards net-zero with 11 Battery Electric Buses already operating serving the community from our Caloundra facility,” he said.

“The team are excited to have Keely coming on board in Queensland as she continues her pathway towards a senior leadership position with Kinetic.”

Kinetic’s Head of People and Culture Madonna Hegerty said Keely’s success in the program is a positive step forward but a lot more work is still needed to achieve gender equality in the industry.

“We are driving towards a 50% female workforce, that is reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Programs like Future CEO and our Women Up Front driver training initiative are attracting women who may otherwise not have considered a career in our industry, and they are thriving,” Ms Hegerty said.

“We intend to expand our Future CEO program during 2024 and on the back of Keely’s success, encourage top talent from other sectors which are people- and community-focused to explore the opportunities we offer. Diversity of thought and leadership is critical to our success as we strive to shift gender inequality and increase female participation moving forward.”

To find out more about the Future CEO program and what Kinetic is doing to increase diversity in the transport industry visit www.wearekinetic.com/sustainability/women-up-front.

Further enquiries
Steve Cadzow
Manager - Media & Communications (Northern)
0428 127 147
stevec@wearekinetic.com