SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: A2B Australia Limited (ASX: A2B) announced the appointment of Daniela Fontana as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, effective 1 March 2023.

Daniela Fontana is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the State Transit Authority, a NSW Government enterprise managing a fleet of over 1,400 buses carrying over 600,000 passengers daily throughout the State.

Managing a team of 3,400 people, Ms Fontana has successfully overseen improvements in efficiency, financial performance, and the transformation of the organisation into a franchising model.

Ms Fontana joined the State Transit Authority in July 2018 in the role of Executive Director, Customer Operations.

Prior to joining the NSW Government, Daniela Fontana spent six years with Qantas as Cabin Crew Base Manager, managing all aspects of 1,200 cabin crew prior to becoming Airport Customer Experience Manager with responsibility for all aspects of Airport customer service.

Ms Fontana has a Bachelor of Commerce in management and marketing from Western Sydney University, a Diploma in Business from the Metropolitan Business College, and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Commenting on Ms Fontana’s appointment, Executive Chairman Mark Bayliss said: “While the Board decided to postpone the search process for a new CEO back in August, the market for senior talent is tight, and we reignited our search when we knew a terrific candidate in Daniela was interested. We are pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO earlier than planned, and the Board sees this as a positive step for the long-term success of A2B Australia.”

“We are delighted to have an executive of Daniela’s experience, credentials and track record to lead A2B Australia through its next phase of growth. She brings highly relevant experience in the consumer-focused transport sector, great leadership skills, strong financial management, and an ability to transform organisations and to relate business and growth to the requirements of a regulated industry,” added Mr Bayliss.

Mr Bayliss will remain in the role of Executive Chairman until 30 June 2023 to support the transition and handover of executive responsibilities to Ms Fontana, after which he will resume the role of Non-executive Chairman as previously foreshadowed to the market.

Daniela Fontana’s appointment follows a recruitment process overseen by an external, independent search firm.

Operating since 1976, over the past 40+ years A2B Australia has grown to become the market leader in personal transportation services and solutions.