Directors

Dan Fitzpatrick

Dan Fitzpatrick is an Investment Director in Dexus’ Infrastructure business, responsible for origination of new investment opportunities and asset management of the existing investments, including Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), Port Hedland International Airport and Reliance Rail.

Prior to joining AMP Capital (now Dexus), Dan worked at Melbourne Airport and North Queensland Airports in senior roles within strategy and corporate finance teams. Dan’s earlier career was focused on assisting clients with investment evaluation, preparing forecasts and transactions advice across infrastructure, property and industrials at EY and Deloitte.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was previously a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Martyn Jackson

Martyn Jackson was appointed a director of Reliance Rail in June 2009. Mr Jackson has a long involvement in PPP's having overseen the construction and transition into full operational service of a number of Australian projects. He is currently on the board of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit PPP as well as a number of social infrastructure PPP's.

Robert Rust

Robert Rust was appointed a director Reliance Rail in April 2018. Robert is a Civil Engineer with an MBA and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has spent the majority of his 40-year career working on major projects for both the private and public sectors, including a number of PPP’s in the economic and social infrastructure sectors. Robert is Chair of the School Infrastructure Advisory Council in NSW, a Director of Ontoit Pty Ltd and on the Board of Infrastructure SA. He also conducts assurance and dispute resolution work for various state governments on major projects.

Julia Hicks

Julia Hicks was appointed a director of Reliance Rail in January 2023. Julia holds degrees in Planning & Design, Property & Construction, and Construction Law, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has spent most of her 20+ year career working on social and economic infrastructure projects in various roles, including working on several PPPs during design & construction and operations phases. Julia also sits on other boards of other social infrastructure PPPs in Australia.

Brad Williams

Brad is the Managing Director for the Dexus Diversified Infrastructure Trust and has over 19 years of investment experience. Brad is responsible for origination and management of investments in university student accommodation investments and is a director for Reliance Rail. Brad has considerable experience in the student accommodation sector managing investments at SUV, New College, the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University. Brad supported AMP Capital’s (now Dexus) expansion in a former role as the Chief Operating Office for the global Infrastructure division. Brad previously worked with the European Investment Team in the AMP Capital London office as a senior investment analyst. Prior to joining AMP Capital, he worked with Henderson Global Investors and BNP Paribas, both in London.

Management

Chad Smithies - Chief Executive Officer

Chad has 20 years of commercial, engineering and program management experience in the rail and aerospace industries in Australia and the UK. Prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer, Chad led the contract management function for Reliance Rail through the end of the delivery phase and into steady state operations with a focus on safety, performance and asset management. 

Chad’s previous roles have included leading operational readiness and reform programs for Sydney Trains (Australia), managing rolling stock leases for Angel Trains (UK) and the sales and marketing of small satellites for Surrey Satellite Technology (UK). Chad initially qualified as a commercial pilot and holds an Honours degree in Aerospace Engineering. 

Louise Iida - Chief Financial Officer

Louise has 20 years of experience across a broad range of financial roles in public practice, corporate treasury and general financial management. For the last nine years, she has specialised in debt raising and refinancing in the rail and oil and gas industries. 

Louise is a Chartered Accountant and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Taxation (Canada). Louise is a strong supporter of the development of green and sustainable finance markets. 

Lindsay Scown - General Manager

Lindsay is an experienced operations and asset manager with over 15 years of experience in the rail industry. He has worked across both passenger and freight rail in logistics, maintenance and operations.

Lindsay joined Reliance Rail in 2017 and in 2023 became the General Manager. Lindsay manages the contract, safety and assurance functions, working closely with stakeholders Sydney Trains and Downer Rail to ensure that fleet reliability and safety standards remain industry-leading. Lindsay is a qualified electrical fitter, project manager and certified trainer. He is also currently completing a Masters of Business Administration (Executive) at UNSW.