Auckland Transport has appointed Stacey van der Putten as its interim chief executive in a role paying $574,000 a year.

It follows the resignation in February of outgoing CEO Dean Kimpton ahead of the imminent break-up of the transport agency.

Van der Putten is the current director of Public Transport and Active Modes at AT. She begins in her new role on May 1 for an 18-month period.

This includes the six-month transition period as signalled by legislative change, and as the establishment chief executive for the new transport council-controlled organisation (CCO) following transition.

AT board chair Andrew Ritchie said the appointment brought a wealth of institutional knowledge through a time of change and significant delivery.

“The board and I are thrilled Stacey has accepted the role, which comes at a critical moment as we prepare for upcoming changes to transport governance in Auckland,” Ritchie said.

“Stacey is a highly respected transport leader who has served in a number of roles at Auckland Transport since 2017.

“She has a deep understanding of the transport system in Auckland, and is highly regarded locally and across the sector.”

Mayor Wayne Brown also welcomed the appointment.

“Stacey has done a great job as AT’s director of Public Transport and Active Modes and is a respected leader with a comprehensive knowledge of transport, council and the local government sector,” Brown said.

“She is well versed on the complexities of the transport transition programme, and the expectations of what we want out of this reform, which is to ensure AT is ready to be strictly a delivery agency for public transport.

“This will be crucial as AT goes through change. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her.”

AT confirmed the salary for the role was $574,000.

Outgoing Auckland Transport (AT) CEO Dean Kimpton. Photo / Jason Oxenham

The AT board acknowledged and thanked Kimpton, who finishes his role at AT on April 30.

“Dean has made a significant contribution to AT over the past three years. The AT Board wishes Dean all the very best for his future endeavours and thanks him for his leadership and delivering outcomes for Aucklanders,” Mr Ritchie said.

Former AT board chair Richard Leggat announced Kimpton’s resignation in February following a three-year stint as CEO.

Kimpton’s announcement came as Auckland Council and the Government reform the transport body, bringing its planning and road-controlling functions inside the council. AT will remain as a public transport agency.

“The reform of transport in Auckland, expected to receive Royal assent next month [March], will see the organisation shifting to focus solely on public transport,” Leggat said

“The board agrees this is the appropriate time for alternative interim leadership arrangements, more aligned to upcoming change.”

More to come