Paul Retter will commence as chief executive officer and commissioner of the NTC from 8 July 2013, following an extensive executive search.
NTC chairman Greg Martin said Mr Retter brings extensive knowledge of transport and logistics and proven leadership capability to the role.
“Paul is joining the NTC at an exciting time in our history, as we continue to support the delivery of significant Council of Australian Governments reforms and look for ways to continue to improve safety, productivity and environmental performance across the transport sector,” said Mr Martin.
“Paul’s highly-developed strategic planning, policy and regulatory skills and his capacity to build strong and enduring relationships with industry and government will ensure the NTC continues to deliver high quality reforms in collaboration with our partners.”
Mr Retter is currently the executive director of the Office of Transport Security (OTS), the Australian Government’s national preventative security regulator for the transport industry. Mr Retter has steered OTS through its formative years and has been instrumental in shaping OTS to become an internationally recognised and highly regarded professional preventative security regulator.
Prior to joining OTS, Mr Retter was a senior member of the Australian Defence Force, where he was responsible for developing and progressing land-based military capability requirements to government. His many appointments included being the Deputy Force Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, and as Army’s Director General of Preparedness and Plans.
Mr Retter was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 and awarded the Australian Security Medal (Australian Security Industry Award) for Conspicuous Service in 2012.
In making the announcement, Mr Martin took the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of the NTC’s acting chief executive, George Konstandakos.
“I commend George for his strong leadership following the passing of our previous chief executive, Nick Dimopoulos in February,” said Mr Martin.
“We are looking forward to Paul officially commencing in his new position and are working towards a smooth transition of leadership,” said Mr Martin.