Curtis Davies, who will start in the new role in mid-August, worked for Qantas from 1996 to 2009 in a number of senior executive positions, including strategy, services and marketing.

 

He also chaired the international Oneworld alliance program during its launch. Prior to Qantas, Davies worked for KPMG in Sydney and London.

 

QR National managing director and chief executive Lance Hockridge said Davies was a senior and well-respected executive within the national transport sector.

 

“We are delighted to announce that we have been able to recruit a global executive for this role,” he said.

 

“Curtis will bring extensive experience and capability to this role courtesy of an impressive career in Australia and overseas.”

 

There are four core businesses in QR National – Coal, Freight, Network Services and Operational Excellence.

 

Hockridge said in creating the new coal role, QR National acknowledged the need to continue to materially lift its relationship capability with its key customer base.

 

“This will be a key role as we shift from a government-owned corporation to a publicly listed company environment,” he said.

 

“Curtis will report directly to me and work closely with our coal customers to continue to enhance business to business relationships, as well as oversee the negotiation and implementation of customer and supplier agreements.

 

“Marcus McAuliffe will continue his work on the coal business reform as executive vice-president and chief executive, QR National Coal Operations.”

 

“Both men will work together to provide first class, quality service to our customers to ensure we remain their best option for converting mined coal into delivered coal and helping grow the Australian resources sector.”

 

In 2008-09, QR National Coal carried more than 185 million tonnes of coal from 56 contracted mines for 23 customers in Queensland and New South Wales.

 

Last financial year it generated more than $1.3 billion in revenue and ran more than 28,000 services.