Our people

Swietelsky Rail Australia People

Our most valuable asset isn’t our cutting-edge machinery or innovative track maintenance solutions; it’s the skilled and passionate individuals who make up our team.

Our unwavering commitment to putting the wellbeing of our people and their families first is what sets us apart and drives our success.

View our capability statement

Managing Director

Anne Modderno

Anne Modderno joined SRA in January 2023 as Director Client Relationships before being appointed Managing Director in May 2023. She is responsible for the Australian business and has led the development of SRA's Sustainability Strategy as well as aligned the business operations to a new strategic direction.

Anne is an experienced executive leader, general manager, project manager and civil engineer, having previously held key leadership roles in state and local government sectors, and rail and civil construction industries. Anne holds Bachelor Degrees in Engineering (Civil) and Business from the University of Newcastle, a Diploma of Project Management through Deakin University, and most recently a Masters Degree in Construction Law from Melbourne Law School at the University of Melbourne.

Anne has extensive experience in successful delivery of complex projects and building high performing teams in multi-disciplinary environments. She is a champion for safety, sustainability and diversity, and is active in her advocacy for increasing female participation in the rail industry and closing the gender pay gap.

Learn more about Anne Modderno

Director Technical & Risk

Gary Holden

Gary Holden has been a part of SRA since July 2017, initially starting in a HSQE Management position, moving on to an operational role and then being appointed as the Director Technical & Risk. He brings to the business over 40 years of rail experience in managing compliance, safety and operational aspects of plant maintenance and rail project delivery.

Gary is an experienced senior leader having held similar roles in both Australia and the UK for Tier 1 contractors. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, a Diploma in Management Studies including International Management and is a qualified Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineer.

Gary is responsible for overseeing the compliant and functional operation of all rail plant including SRA's management systems and rail accreditation. He is focused on instilling best practice throughout the business and streamlining systems and processes to improve performance and culture. Gary's role includes the development and integration of new methods and technologies for mechanised track construction.

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Senior Manager Finance & Commercial

Kyle Mathieson

Kyle joined SRA in 2020 and is responsible for all financial and commercial aspects of the Australian Business.

Kyle has extensive professional experience in commercial and finance roles across rail, mining, not-for-profit and banking sectors. Kyle holds a Bachelor Degree in Commerce from the University of Newcastle, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Learn more about Kyle Mathieson

Manager Plant Maintenance

Ben Senior

Ben Senior joined SRA in January 2024 as the Manager of Plant Maintenance and is responsible for the maintenance and reliability of SRA's fleet of rail plant.

Ben brings over 18 years heavy industry experience both locally and internationally in Rail Infrastructure & Plant, Rollingstock and Mining. Ben is an experienced leader having previously held key roles in Project Management, Reliability Engineering, and Rollingstock and Plant Maintenance. Ben holds a Master's Degree in Engineering Management, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and Diplomas in Project Management and Front Line Leadership.

Ben's management and leadership expertise, combined with technical experience, makes him a valuable member of the SRA team, providing focus on quality assurance through maintenance practices and asset management principles.

HR Manager

Tahnee Sumner

Tahnee Sumner initially commenced in the role of Commercial Administrator in September of 2017. Within three years Tahnee progressed to her current role of Human Resources Manager, through which she has become an active member within our senior leadership team.

Tahnee's swift elevation within our business is testament to her capabilities, work ethic, commitment, proactive and professional approach she consistently applies to her assigned portfolio.

Tahnee's previous roles were in finance and accounting, working in many industries including construction, health and automotive. She holds accreditations in Business Administration, Financial Services and most recently completed her Diploma in Human Resources Management. Tahnee has also recently been accepted into University of Newcastle to commence postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management.

Learn more about Tahnee Sumner

SQE Advisor

Dean Rowe

Dean Rowe has been with SRA since 2015 and over that time has progressed from SQE and systems support roles to SQE Advisor. In his current role, Dean is responsible for the effective implementation of our safety, quality and environmental systems, as well as incident investigation processes and safety innovations and improvements.

Dean has over 12 years' experience across both rail and civil construction industries. His qualifications include a Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety, Certificate IV in Environmental Management & Sustainability, and a Diploma in Work Health Safety.

Learn more about Dean Rowe

Project Manager

Greg Buckley

Greg Buckley joined SRA in 2022 and is responsible for the project management of our major ballast cleaning contract. He brings with him over six years' experience within the Australian rail industry and additional experience in the UK from within the civil sector. Greg's career has brought him leadership expertise through his experiences on the English cricket team, before he moved to Australia.

In his current role, Greg effectively plans, coordinates and delivers our ballast cleaning projects in the Hunter Valley, managing both internal resources and our subcontracting partners. Greg excels in leading and working within a team, leveraging his strengths in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving to ensure seamless project execution. His ability to foster strong relationships and motivate team members contributes to the overall success of our projects. Additionally, Greg holds a Certificate lll in Rail Infrastructure and is currently undertaking studies to achieve his Diploma in Project Management and Business.

Learn more about Greg Buckley

Ballast Cleaning Technical Specialist

Paul France

As our ballast cleaning technical specialist, Paul France brings over two decades of experience in ballast cleaning operations to the SRA team. A decade of this experience has been as part of the international Swietelsky team in the United Kingdom, providing a great connection to our Australian operations.

Paul holds tertiary qualifications with a Bachelor of Science (Quantity Surveying) with honors from the University of Central England, as well as industry and ballast cleaning technical qualifications spanning ballast cleaning operations, advanced PLC and electronic systems.

Paul's technical expertise, combined with his leadership and mentoring experience, makes him a valuable member of our ballast cleaning team, providing his relentless focus on quality, performance and operational effectiveness in his work with SRA.

Learn more about Paul France

Project Lead Welding

Glen Barber

Glen has been a member of the SRA team since 2014, and is an experienced and capable rail project supervisor and is also currently our project lead for welding. Glen brings over 15 years of experience to the organization, in both rail construction and maintenance fields and is highly skilled in flash butt welding being our Subject Matter Expert.

Glen holds qualifications in Welding and Rail Certification. Glen also supervises the smooth operation of and planning of ballast cleaning works across the Hunter Valley. Glen is passionate about his work, supporting his team mates, and prides himself on delivering a quality product. His approach is consistent and dependable, delivering for SRA on time and within budget.

Learn more about Glen Barber