PTA - Key Persons


Brian Appleby

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, People and Organisational Development
Brian is responsible for strategic people management, as well as overseeing the delivery of functional human resource services for the PTA's people. He has more than 30 years' experience in labour relations, human resource management, workforce services and learning and development. Brian is also vice-chair of the Logistics Training Council, and chair of the Australasian Railways Workforce Development Committee.

Charlotte Hayes

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director Customer Strategy and Communications
Charlotte is responsible for the development and delivery of the PTA's stakeholder engagement and communication activities, as well as overseeing the provision of special event services and passenger communications. Charlotte has over 25 years' experience in various marketing roles, both in Australia and the UK, including over 15 years with Transperth System, Regional and School Bus Services.

Elwyn Gearon

Job Titles:
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • General Manager, Network & Infrastructure
Elwyn's responsibilities include management and maintenance of the PTA railway network infrastructure and managing third party access to the PTA network. Professionally, Elwyn is a degree qualified Mechanical Engineer, with additional qualifications in business and project management, and over 25 years' experience working in public transport.

Garry Taylor

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director PTA Project Delivery
Garry is responsible for overseeing the delivery of major projects, including High-Capacity Signalling, Radio Systems Replacement, the Public Transport Operations Control Centre, and the new Midland and Lakelands stations . He joined the PTA from the British rail industry where he spent 25 years working in rollingstock engineering, asset management and train operating organisations.

Mark Burgess - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • Managing Director
Mark leads the Executive team responsible for the day-to-day operations of the PTA and the many projects the PTA is involved in. Before moving to the Managing Director position in 2010, he was Executive Director of the Transperth system - Perth's integrated bus, train and ferry system - for 12 years. Mark joined the PTA at its creation in 2003, after six years with the Department of Transport and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI), when Transperth was managed under those agencies. Prior to joining the WA State Government in public transport roles, he gained extensive logistics, transport and people management skills during 21 years in the army.

Mark Wirski

Job Titles:
  • General Manager, Transperth Train Operations
Mark has direct line responsibility for all customer service personnel, security personnel, train controllers, train drivers, service planners, depot staff and staff responsible for rollingstock procurement and maintenance (diesel and electric). He is responsible for promoting and managing the delivery of urban passenger rail to the highest customer service standards and is committed to ensuring the successful integration and delivery of expansions to the network. Mark has a Commerce degree and more than 15 years' experience in train operations in a variety of roles.

Martin White

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director Transperth System, Regional and School Bus Services
Martin's responsibilities include managing and marketing the Transperth system, comprising commercial bus contractors, a commercial ferry contractor and the urban passenger rail services. He also oversees the management of Regional Town Bus Services and School Bus Services.

Michael Parker

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Infrastructure Planning and Land Services
Mike oversees the planning for the future of Perth's rail network including its integration within the wider transport system and urban development. He also manages the PTA's wider land assets and environmental obligations. Mike has over 20 years' experience within the railway industry and the military. Previously Mike was involved as the Engineering Assurance Manager for the planning stages of numerous METRONET projects that are currently in delivery.

Peter Woronzow

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer ( and Director General - Transport )
  • Managing Director of Main Roads
After acting in the role for about 18 months, Peter Woronzow was confirmed as head of the transport portfolio in November 2021, assuming the positions of CEO of the PTA, Director-General of the Department of Transport, and Commissioner of Main Roads WA. As such, he is responsible for setting the strategic direction of transport in WA, shaping the development of a number of major integrated transport plans and leading the implementation of the State's transformational capital projects. Having previously been Managing Director of Main Roads, Peter brings a wealth of experience, having worked in the Transport Portfolio for several decades. He is a member of CPA Australia, chairman of the Australian Road Research Board and a director on the Board of Austroads Ltd.

Robyn Lamont

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Finance and Contracts
Robyn is responsible for maintaining the PTA's financial management and procurement systems and processes. She was previously Director - Finance Services at the PTA and brings more than 15 years of CFO experience to the role, having worked for publicly-listed Australian and U.S. entities. She also gained two years' experience as a senior audit manager and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand.

Russell Taylor

Job Titles:
  • Chief Information Officer, Information Management and Operational Systems
As the Chief Technology Officer, Russell is responsible for the provision of Information Technology services, advice and solutions to support the PTA's operations. Russell has more than 20 years' experience in Information Technology a range of industries (from finance to government) in both Australia and the UK.

Tim Woolerson

Job Titles:
  • General Manager Transwa
Tim's responsibilities include managing the delivery of transport services through the regional train and road coach network, the maintenance of infrastructure, and the management of contracts. Before joining the PTA, he spent six years in the private sector working in the vehicle fleet management field, and 21 years in the military, where he acquired extensive logistics and management experience and expertise.