New CEO announced for ARRB Group

Australia’s leading independent road research body, ARRB Group (the Australian Road Research Board), has today announced the appointment of roads industry leader Michael Caltabiano, as the new Chief Executive Officer of ARRB Group.

The appointment finalised by ARRB’s Board of Directors on 18 October, will see Michael Caltabiano take on the role from outgoing Managing Director Gerard Waldron, who retires in November.

Mr. Caltabiano was appointed to the ARRB Group Board in June 2016 and is already very familiar with the organisation’s strategic priorities and is ready to take the lead in developing a new energised and engaged future for the Group. Under the guidance of a strong Board with recent new members, Mr Caltabiano will lead the commitment to a renewed focus on driving innovation and collaboration within the organisation and with industry partners to be the National enabler of the next generation of road and transport solutions for the Australian community.

“I am excited to start my new role and the opportunity to develop a modern sustainable future direction of the ARRB Group and road transport research in general across Australia,” said Mr Caltabiano.

“My aim is to further modernise the organisation and improve how we engage with the world – ensuring that the ARRB researchers of the future are leading international R&D trends and innovations. There is an opportunity to make ARRB Group smarter and use our incredible talent efficiently and effectively to derive further value for our members and partners.”

Chairman of the Board for ARRB Group, Peter Duncan said, “I look forward to working with an industry leader like Michael in this exciting new chapter for the organisation. We have already commenced planning a future direction for ARRB and will look to implement collaborative strategies inclusive of ARRB staff and stakeholders in the coming months.”

“Leadership and collaboration really goes to the heart of ARRB as an organisation. Research can only deliver its true value when adopted into practice. By academia, government and private sectors working together, we can ensure ARRB’s world class research is quickly applied and adopted in the real-world. Michael has clearly demonstrated these qualities with his role at AAPA.”

“I would also like to acknowledge Gerard Waldron’s retirement and thank him for the contribution and leadership he has provided to the organisation over the past 15 years” said Mr Duncan.

Since January 2014, Michael Caltabiano has been the CEO of the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association AAPA; and previously he was the Director-General of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, where he set about reshaping the Department and returning the focus to efficient project delivery and innovative problem solving, in partnership with the private sector.

Michael Caltabiano will begin his new appointment Monday 14th November 2016 and will be welcoming delegates and guests that are attending the 27th ARRB Conference, Melbourne, Victoria from the 16 - 18 November 2016.

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