Chief Executive Officer
Katie Cooper
Katie joined Metro as CEO in 2020, bringing with her over two decades of global experience leading complex, fast-paced operational businesses in the transportation and infrastructure sectors. Her career includes senior roles at Melbourne Airport, Stansted Airport, Northern Territory Airports, and Air New Zealand, working across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Katie holds an MBA and is deeply involved in industry leadership as an active Director and Committee Co-Chair at the Public Transport Association – Australia and New Zealand (PTAANZ). She is also the inaugural Chair of the Tasmanian Chapter of Chief Executive Women. At Metro, Katie provides strategic leadership and is accountable for the overall performance of the organisation, steering it to enhance customer experience and operational excellence.
Chief Operating Officer
Darren Turner
Darren joined the Metro team as COO in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from senior executive roles in banking, finance, and member-based organisations. Before Metro, he served as Chief Operating Officer at RACT and General Manager at RACV. Darren is known for his leadership style that focuses on developing high-performing teams to deliver excellent outcomes for customers and stakeholders. At Metro, he oversees the Operations Division, ensuring seamless frontline services, customer experience, the maintenance of our bus fleet, and service delivery across the Burnie, Launceston and Hobart networks.
General Manager People and Safety
Jacqui Allen
Joining Metro in 2023, Jacqui brings a rich background in state government and law, specialising in workplace relations and health and safety. As GM of People and Safety, Jacqui champions a supportive environment where safety and wellbeing are paramount. Her leadership focuses on recruitment, training, and wellbeing initiatives to enhance organisational culture. Jacqui is also a board member of the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), helping low-income Tasmanians access essential services. She holds credentials from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
General Manager Commercial & Projects
Chris Breen
Chris joined Metro in 2009 as a Business Analyst and has worked in various Business Improvement roles across the organisation, now steering the Commercial and Projects department with a focus on delivering value and innovation. Prior to joining Metro, Chris worked in the Strategy & Products division at Bankwest and supported a government-funded program in Hobart aimed at improving regional access to government services. A proponent of empowering teams, Chris oversees projects that enhance operational efficiency and future readiness, including Metro’s Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) trials and ICT transformation, ensuring the business continuously delivers excellent service to both customers and government stakeholders.
General Manager Corporate Services
Kellie Dean
Joining Metro in 2024, Kellie brings a wealth of experience from her diverse roles across legal and governance, including positions at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, the University of Tasmania, and Tasracing. Prior experience was in executive positions in the telecommunications sector. Kellie also currently serves on the boards of Southern Cross Care (Tas) and GenU. Known for her compassionate and inclusive leadership style, Kellie is Metro’s Company Secretary and oversees the Communications, Brand Marketing, Stakeholder Relations and Records Management teams, ensuring Metro’s community engagement and brand reputation success.
General Manager Finance
Jesse Penfold
Jesse joined Metro in 2018, bringing over two decades of audit and finance expertise from both the public and private sectors. His background includes senior roles in financial audit at private firms and the State Audit Office, as well as managing finance teams at ASX-listed companies, including the IOOF Group. Jesse is a CPA with a Postgraduate Certificate in Corporate Governance, and he champions a strategic and collaborative leadership style. As General Manager Finance, he oversees a team to manage Metro’s financial strategy and capital investments, ensuring a sustainable operating model and compliance with all legislative and risk management requirements.
