Aurizon Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Aurizon has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, asset growth, medical operations, and human capital management.

Focused on delivering integrated rail freight solutions across Australia, Aurizon drives economic development by connecting bulk commodity producers with global markets through efficient, reliable, and sustainable logistics infrastructure.

Leadership Roles at Aurizon

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kalidas Madhavpeddi
  • Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive - Ian Wells
  • Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division) - Shan Mikkelsen
  • Chief Medical Officer - Maria Mazaheri
  • Head Chief People Officer, People - Matthew Clifford-Jones
  • Kalidas Madhavpeddi - Chief Executive Officer

    Kalidas Madhavpeddi, the Chief Executive Officer at Aurizon, directs the overarching strategic vision for the nationwide rail freight network. Overseeing the integration of bulk commodity logistics and general goods transportation, the Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across all Australian corridors. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chain solutions while maintaining alignment with the Board regarding long-term growth objectives. By optimizing rail infrastructure performance, Kalidas Madhavpeddi directly impacts the efficiency of mineral and agricultural resource movement. The Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of safety and productivity, ensuring the company remains a critical link between domestic producers and international markets. Through rigorous oversight of engineering and maintenance standards, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the organization within the broader logistics landscape, ultimately driving sustainable value for stakeholders and supporting regional economic development across the entire continent.

    Ian Wells - Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive

    Ian Wells, the Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive at Aurizon, manages the fiscal health and long-term strategic planning for the rail freight enterprise. Overseeing capital allocation and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support extensive infrastructure investments. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify expansion opportunities within the bulk commodity sector. By coordinating with the executive team, Ian Wells aligns financial resources with operational goals to maximize shareholder returns. The Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive drives initiatives that enhance cost efficiency across the nationwide network, ensuring the organization remains resilient against economic fluctuations. Through disciplined financial governance and strategic foresight, the Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive supports the continued flow of essential goods, reinforcing the company's role as a cornerstone of the Australian logistics industry.
    Ian Wells

    Shan Mikkelsen - Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division)

    Shan Mikkelsen, the Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division) at Aurizon, architects the modernization of internal processes and asset management frameworks. Overseeing the strategic growth of the rail infrastructure portfolio, the Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division) ensures that capital investments yield maximum operational utility. This leadership role involves streamlining logistics management systems to improve the movement of industrial freight. By implementing data-driven transformation strategies, Shan Mikkelsen enhances the agility of the organization in responding to shifting market demands. The Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division) collaborates with engineering teams to optimize maintenance cycles, thereby increasing the reliability of the nationwide network. Through focused efforts on asset lifecycle management, the Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division) secures long-term operational efficiency and supports the company's commitment to delivering high-quality transportation services.

    Maria Mazaheri - Chief Medical Officer

    Maria Mazaheri, the Chief Medical Officer at Aurizon, directs the health and wellness standards for the entire workforce operating across the Australian rail network. Overseeing occupational health programs, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that safety protocols align with the rigorous demands of heavy rail freight and logistics operations. This leadership role involves developing comprehensive wellness initiatives that mitigate workplace risks and promote employee longevity. By integrating medical expertise into operational planning, Maria Mazaheri supports a culture of safety that is essential for maintaining continuous supply chain performance. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with human resources to implement health policies that address the unique challenges of regional and remote operations. Through proactive health management and the application of clinical standards, the Chief Medical Officer directly impacts the productivity and well-being of the staff, ensuring the organization maintains the highest levels of operational readiness and safety compliance.

    Matthew Clifford-Jones - Head Chief People Officer, People

    Matthew Clifford-Jones, the Head Chief People Officer, People at Aurizon, drives the human capital strategy for the organization, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and organizational culture. Overseeing the workforce requirements for a nationwide rail network, the Head Chief People Officer, People ensures that the company attracts and retains the specialized skills necessary for complex logistics and engineering tasks. This leadership role involves designing performance management systems that align individual contributions with the broader corporate mission. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance environment, Matthew Clifford-Jones supports the operational goals of the business. The Head Chief People Officer, People collaborates with other executives to ensure that labor strategies support the efficient movement of bulk commodities and industrial freight. Through the implementation of robust training and leadership development programs, the Head Chief People Officer, People secures the future capability of the workforce, ensuring the company remains a leader in the Australian transportation sector.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Aurizon Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Aurizon?
    Aurizon is led by Kalidas Madhavpeddi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ian Wells (Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive) and Shan Mikkelsen (Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division)).
    Who is part of Aurizon’s executive team?
    The executive team of Aurizon includes leaders such as Kalidas Madhavpeddi (Chief Executive Officer), Ian Wells (Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive), Shan Mikkelsen (Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Aurizon have?
    Aurizon has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Aurizon’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Aurizon includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Group Executive, Business Transformation Specialist & Chief Financial Officer, Asset Strategy Growth ( & Strategy Division), Chief Medical Officer, Head Chief People Officer, People.