Pacific National CEO resigns

David Irwin has stepped down from his role as CEO of rail freight group Pacific National, citing a desire to be closer to family.
“After 10 years predominantly working away from my home in regional NSW I have decided the time is right to put my family first,” Irwin told his staff in a note, adding that Pacific National is at the beginning of a “great new era of development as a stand-alone company.”
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) first revealed the leadership change, noting that Irwin had stayed in the role just six months after the company split of Asciano.
Irwin will remain in the role until a new CEO is found, and reportedly will then stay involved in an advisory capacity.
Irwin ran Pacific National’s coal haulage business for eight years, and was on the former Asciano executive team.
Global Infrastructure Partners’ Russell Smith is likely to take on many of Irwin responsibilities, the AFR reports.
Smith was part of the Global Infrastructure Partners team that bought a stake in Pacific National as part of a consortium of international funds last year. He sits of Pacific National’s board and has been appointed Executive Chairman on an interim basis.