Metro names Robert Duvel as safety executive

Metro today announced the appointment of Robert Duvel as Executive Director, Zero Harm.

In this role, Mr Duvel will lead Metro’s Safety, Environment, Risk and Quality functions, along with driving the company’s Zero Harm program and commitment to no harm to employees, passengers, the broader community and environment.

Mr Duvel has extensive international experience leading safety, environment, human resources, health and quality functions in construction, mining and health sectors.

He joins Metro from Leadlease where, as part of the Cross Yarra Partnership, he held the role of People, Safety and Quality Director, playing a key safety leadership role in supporting the Metro Tunnel Project. The Cross Yarra Partnership brings together Lendlease Engineering, John Holland and Bouygues Construction to deliver the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project.

Prior to this, he held senior executive roles at CPB Contractors and Leighton Contractors in safety, health, environment and quality areas. Earlier in his career he held management roles in Pharma Naura, a pharmaceutical company, and mining company Avmin Limited, in South Africa.

Metro CEO Raymond O’Flaherty said Mr Duvel is an industry-recognised safety leader with three decades of international experience.

“Robert brings a wealth of senior executive experience to the position of Executive Director, Zero Harm,” Mr O’Flaherty said.

“He has a track record of leading transformational change in top-tier organisations to deliver safe, successful and sustainable business and safety outcomes.

“With his experience, he is perfectly placed to drive Metro’s Zero Harm commitment and help us achieve our vision of being the safest rail operator in Australia, if not the world.

“Safety is the foundation of everything we do at Metro and Robert shares my absolute commitment to ensuring our passengers and employees go home safely each and every day.

“I have every confidence that under Robert’s leadership, Metro will continue the strong and collaborative relationships we have with regulators, industry, unions and our employees, in driving a continuous improvement mindset around safety and environmental management at Metro.”

Mr Duvel commences with Metro on 1 July 2019, reporting directly to Mr O’Flaherty.