Kinetic announces key appointments in Tasmanian leadership team
The operator of government-contracted bus services and the popular SkyBus airport express has signalled its long-term commitment to advancing Tasmania’s transport sector with the internal promotion of two Tasmanian locals in its leadership team.
Kinetic’s former Manager of Hobart, Andrew Grzinic, has been appointed to oversee the company’s state-wide operations as General Manager Tasmania after acting in the role for the past three months.
Andrew offers a wealth of local transport experience, having served as the General Manager at Redline before the business joined the Kinetic family in 2021. His prior experience in tourism will also help build Kinetic’s offering to charter customers across the state.
Grace Van Beest, who was part of the family-run O’Driscoll’s business acquired by Kinetic in 2023, has also been promoted to manage Kinetic’s operations in southern Tasmania.
“Under Kinetic’s ownership last year I had the opportunity to step up into operational and supervisory roles after 16 years, and now I’m excited to be leading our team across the region,” Ms Van Beest says.
“It’s exciting and challenging and I feel like I’m starting afresh. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to encourage other women to think about a career in transport as a driver or in a support or management role.”
Graham Smith, Executive General Manager – TAS/VIC/NSW congratulated Andrew and Grace on their appointments and said they both strongly reflected Kinetic’s values and commitment to enhance the livelihoods of communities.
Kinetic first began operating in Tasmania with SkyBus in 2018 and its operations now include a fleet of more than 250 buses and 270 team members delivering services in partnership with the Tasmanian government as well as cruise ship transport and charter services.
Newly appointed Andrew Grzinic said he was looking forward to building on the achievements of the Tasmanian team saying, “I am excited to lead the team as we work to deliver a safe, reliable bus service in partnership with the Tasmanian government.”
Grzinic has played an important role in recent years supporting the delivery of key programs including the successful roll-out of the Kinetic brand in Tasmania replacing Redline and Merseylink.
The re-brand has been supported with a $10 million capital investment program including fleet and depot upgrades in Launceston and Hobart and an overhaul of the Hobart transit centre.
Following the successful launch of its first Women Up Front trainee bus driver program in Tasmania in 2023, the local team has since delivered a further five programs with 19 women joining the business through the initiative.
The program is helping address gender inequality in the transport sector by removing the barriers to entry to the industry for women. As part of the program Kinetic offers a free licence upgrade and paid training in a supportive environment.
Last year, Kinetic launched its first Future CEO initiative, a program dedicated to fostering the growth and development of female leadership and transforming gender balance.
Van Beest’s appointment signals Kinetic’s commitment to support women in leadership positions as part of its efforts to promote a more diverse transport workforce reflective of the communities it serves.
For career opportunity at Kinetic in Tasmania visit wearekinetic.com/join-our-team.
Further enquiries
Justin Rogers
Manager Communication, Stakeholder and Customer – NSW/VIC/TAS
0419 230 242
justin.rogers@wearekinetic.com.au