KiwiRail group chief executive Greg Miller has resigned effective immediately due to the distraction of allegations in the media, which he denies, the company says.
(file image) Greg Miller decided to step down in the best interests of his family and KiwiRail, the company said. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Miller advised that recent and sustained allegations in the media, while rejected by him, have become such a distraction that he has decided that it was in the best interest of him, his family and KiwiRail to step down, acting chairperson Sue McCormack said in a statement.
"I have accepted his resignation and on behalf of the Board, I thank him for his service to KiwiRail as chair and subsequently as group chief executive during a time of growth and unprecedented government support. "
Miller said in a statement he was proud to have led KiwiRail through a transformational period, including improved safety leadership.
"I wish Team KiwiRail well as they deliver projects which will see rail enjoy a greater role in New Zealand's transport sector in future."
McCormack said an independent review into anonymous allegations of bullying would continue, despite the chief executive's resignation.
"We expect our organisation to support and value everyone" - KiwiRail acting chairperson Sue McCormack
McCormack told Midday Report she did not want to prejudge the outcome of the review.
"We have done an independent review, exit process is underway, we haven't got that report back yet."
The review was due back next week, she said.
"Immediately as we understood about the anonymous allegations we followed up quickly and set up the independent exit interview process but regardless of the contents of that report, we're not sitting on our hands. We expect our organisation to support and value everyone."
The allegations were being taken seriously and recommendations from the report would be implemented, McCormack said.
"I'll give my word for that and on behalf of the board also, we do take our obligations seriously and if there are learnings from it we will definitely follow up on them."
Deputy chief executive Todd Moyle had been appointed acting chief executive and the board would begin a search for a permanent replacement, McCormack said.