Toll Group appoints Kruger as new MD
Australia-based Toll Group has confirmed that Brian Kruger is to become the company’s new managing director. Kruger – who currently holds the position of CFO at the business – will take on his new role from January 2012, replacing Paul Little, who is retiring.
Toll chairman Ray Horsburgh said: “The Board congratulates Brian on his appointment. He has an outstanding business pedigree and will be a highly capable successor to Paul. He has demonstrated his capability in operational and financial roles in Australia as well as internationally. Brian is extremely well regarded at all levels of Toll for his management style which combines good process with strong values.
“The Board took the strategic decision two years ago to increase the bench strength of the internal executive ahead of Paul’s departure. Brian’s appointment as CFO, along with the creation of six operational division heads across the Group, is a clear demonstration of that strategic approach.
“Toll’s culture is unique and hugely successful. The Board recognised that strength by bringing into the senior executive team such an experienced and rounded external leader. The two years Brian has been at Toll have given him the best possible starting point for his MD role. He is the candidate with external experience and internal understanding. The Board looks forward to working closely with Brian to deliver strong and sustainable results in the years ahead.”
Prior to joining Toll, Kruger had a career spanning more than 25 years in the resources and industrial sectors in Australia and the US, initially with BHP and later with its offshoot, BlueScope Steel.
Commenting on his appointment, Kruger said: “Being chosen to lead the Toll team is a real honour. Toll is one of Australia’s great international success stories and to now have the opportunity to lead over 40,000 skilled logistics professionals across 55 countries is very exciting. Paul has built an exceptional company over his 25 years as MD and I look forward to taking Toll through its next stage of development.
“When I was invited to apply for the CFO role two years ago it was clear the Board was already putting in place a range of options for successors to Paul. For me, having had two years now to see the company from the inside will be invaluable in leading the team through our next series of challenges and opportunities.”
The chairman paid homage to the outgoing Little, who has held the position of managing director since 1986: “During his time as MD, Paul has grown Toll from a small domestic trucking business with turnover of $16m and 95 employees, to a global company with annual revenue of around $8bn,” Horsburgh said.
A search for a new CFO will begin shortly. In the meantime Grant Devonport, head of finance for the Global Resources Division, will act in the role.
