Acting Chief Executive Officer
Laurie Hansen
Laurie Hansen is Metro’s General Manager Business Improvement and is currently serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Laurie previously held the role of Metro CEO from 1993 to 2005 and brings decades of leadership experience across the transport industry in Australia and internationally.
Throughout his career, Laurie has specialised in public transport reform, strategic management, operations, procurement, and contracting. He has led major transport initiatives across Australia, including overseeing bus fleet procurement, business redesign, and ticketing system implementation. His international work includes supporting public transport reform in Jakarta, Indonesia. Laurie returned to Metro in 2025 to lead strategic operational improvement projects, with a focus on service delivery, patronage growth, and business efficiency. As Acting CEO, he is committed to ensuring safe, reliable, and high-quality services for customers while supporting Metro’s people and preparing the organisation for its next phase of leadership.
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, 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 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, Customer Experience, 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.
General Manager Business Transformation
Damian Shirley
Joining the team in 2023, Damian leads Metro’s Business Transformation unit, driving projects that enhance safety, customer experience, and operational efficiency through innovation and technology. With more than 20 years’ experience in government and transport, including senior roles with Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, Damian brings extensive expertise in digital transformation, safety reform, and strategic program delivery. He is passionate about achieving high-quality outcomes and empowering teams to deliver meaningful improvements for Metro and the Tasmanian community.
