Roads and transport advisory panel, the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) will see Michael Caltabiano take over as CEO following the departure of managing director Gerard Waldron in November.
Caltabiano has been a member of the board since June and already has a grasp on the organisation’s priorities. He has been CEO of the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) since January 2014.
Prior to his role at the AAPA, Caltabiano was the director-general of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Under the guidance of the board, 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.
Chairman of the board Peter Duncan welcomed the appointment.
“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,” Duncan said.
“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,” he added.