James Petty

James Petty is a senior leader with over 30 years of international experience in the asset management, mining, rail, and technology industries. He is currently Head of Asset Management & Strategy at Aurizon, leading the asset management, asset strategy, and decarbonisation functions for the above-rail assets. Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight operator.
Prior to joining Aurizon, James’ career was primarily with Rio Tinto in a variety of senior leadership roles including operational leadership, asset management and project leadership. While at Rio Tinto he led the autonomous truck program (Mine of the Future), from the first tonne moved in 2008 until he left Rio Tinto in 2016. With Aurizon’s long-term commitment to zero operational GHG emissions, James is leading a decarbonisation program that focuses on both near-term energy optimization and long-term decarbonisation of the Rolling Stock. Recently Aurizon, in conjunction with Progress Rail, announced development of an Australian-built Battery Electric Locomotive. James is a Mechanical Engineer and lives in Brisbane, Queensland where Aurizon is headquartered.