National Road Carriers is moving into the next phase of its transformation strategy with changes to its management structure.

James Perrin will take on the leadership role of chief operating officer with a remit to focus on business transformation, ensuring NRC is fit for purpose to meet the challenges of the next decade.

He takes over from James Smith, who will take on the newly created policy and advocacy general manager position.

“Smith’s years with the business have given him a breadth of relationships across the industry which is second to none and the role of GM – policy & advocacy formalises the great work he is doing for NRC and the industry,” said CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers.

“This enables James Smith and I to focus on executing our strategy, continue growing relationships in Wellington and throughout the country and delivering initiatives the industry needs such as TruckSafe and future fuel transformation,” he said.

“The team is key to NRC’s success and our ability to serve our members into the future,” Tighe-Umbers said.

“That means getting our organisation structure, roles and processes set so we deliver our service promise to our members and service partners.

“Reviewing our leadership structure and investing in marketing capability are the next step in the transformation journey. It’s clear that in order to deliver on our strategy, we need more delivery capacity in the business,” he said.

“We’re custodians of an 87-year-old organisation with a proud history of serving this industry, through both golden times and tough times.

“We have the opportunity to build this organisation up to meet its true potential. NRC’s partnering with the NZ Trucking Association further extends this reach. With the challenges of a broken roading network, a tight economic environment, and a transition to a low emissions industry, our members and the industry are relying on us to make sure the needs of the road transport industry are not just heard but responded to.”