Our people

Swietelsky Rail Australia People

Our most valuable asset isn’t our cutting-edge machinery or innovative track maintenance solutions; it’s the skilled and passionate individuals who make up our team.

Our unwavering commitment to putting the wellbeing of our people and their families first is what sets us apart and drives our success.

View our capability statement

Managing Director

Anne Modderno

Anne Modderno joined SRA in January 2023 as Director Client Relationships before being appointed Managing Director in May 2023. She is responsible for the Australian business and has led the development of SRA's Sustainability Strategy as well as aligned the business operations to a new strategic direction.

Anne is an experienced executive leader, general manager, project manager and civil engineer, having previously held key leadership roles in state and local government sectors, and rail and civil construction industries. Anne holds Bachelor Degrees in Engineering (Civil) and Business from the University of Newcastle, a Diploma of Project Management through Deakin University, and most recently a Masters Degree in Construction Law from Melbourne Law School at the University of Melbourne.

Anne has extensive experience in successful delivery of complex projects and building high performing teams in multi-disciplinary environments. She is a champion for safety, sustainability and diversity, and is active in her advocacy for increasing female participation in the rail industry and closing the gender pay gap.

Learn more about Anne Modderno

Senior Manager Finance & Commercial

Kyle Mathieson

Kyle joined SRA in 2020 and is responsible for all financial and commercial aspects of the Australian Business.

Kyle has extensive professional experience in commercial and finance roles across rail, mining, not-for-profit and banking sectors. Kyle holds a Bachelor Degree in Commerce from the University of Newcastle, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Learn more about Kyle Mathieson

Operations Manager

Ben Rogers

As the Operations Manager at Swietelsky Rail Australia, Ben Rogers brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of exceptional leadership and operational excellence. With a strong commitment to driving strategic initiatives and achieving transformative success, Ben is known for his integrity and ability to build strong, effective relationships that contribute to organisational success.

Ben is a results-driven management professional with a distinguished ability to lead and motivate teams. His leadership style is both inspiring and down to earth, focusing on creating enjoyable work environments while consistently achieving and exceeding targets. His strategic planning skills and innovative approach drive significant organisational growth, making him an asset to the Swietelsky team.

Ben's professional qualifications include an Advanced Diploma in Management, an Advanced Diploma of Work Health & Safety, and various certifications in rail infrastructure and safety.

Learn more about Ben Rogers

Manager Plant Maintenance

Ben Senior

Ben Senior joined SRA in January 2024 as the Manager of Plant Maintenance and is responsible for the maintenance and reliability of SRA's fleet of rail plant.

Ben brings over 18 years heavy industry experience both locally and internationally in Rail Infrastructure & Plant, Rollingstock and Mining. Ben is an experienced leader having previously held key roles in Project Management, Reliability Engineering, and Rollingstock and Plant Maintenance. Ben holds a Master's Degree in Engineering Management, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and Diplomas in Project Management and Front Line Leadership.

Ben's management and leadership expertise, combined with technical experience, makes him a valuable member of the SRA team, providing focus on quality assurance through maintenance practices and asset management principles.

HR Manager

Tahnee Sumner

Tahnee Sumner initially commenced in the role of Commercial Administrator in September of 2017. Within three years Tahnee progressed to her current role of Human Resources Manager, through which she has become an active member within our senior leadership team.

Tahnee's swift elevation within our business is testament to her capabilities, work ethic, commitment, proactive and professional approach she consistently applies to her assigned portfolio.

Tahnee's previous roles were in finance and accounting, working in many industries including construction, health and automotive. She holds accreditations in Business Administration, Financial Services and most recently completed her Diploma in Human Resources Management. Tahnee has also recently been accepted into University of Newcastle to commence postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management.

Learn more about Tahnee Sumner

SQE Advisor

Dean Rowe

Dean Rowe has been with SRA since 2015 and over that time has progressed from SQE and systems support roles to SQE Advisor. In his current role, Dean is responsible for the effective implementation of our safety, quality and environmental systems, as well as incident investigation processes and safety innovations and improvements.

Dean has over 12 years' experience across both rail and civil construction industries. His qualifications include a Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety, Certificate IV in Environmental Management & Sustainability, and a Diploma in Work Health Safety.

Learn more about Dean Rowe

Ballast Cleaning Technical Specialist

Paul France

As our ballast cleaning technical specialist, Paul France brings over two decades of experience in ballast cleaning operations to the SRA team. A decade of this experience has been as part of the international Swietelsky team in the United Kingdom, providing a great connection to our Australian operations.

Paul holds tertiary qualifications with a Bachelor of Science (Quantity Surveying) with honors from the University of Central England, as well as industry and ballast cleaning technical qualifications spanning ballast cleaning operations, advanced PLC and electronic systems.

Paul's technical expertise, combined with his leadership and mentoring experience, makes him a valuable member of our ballast cleaning team, providing his relentless focus on quality, performance and operational effectiveness in his work with SRA.

Learn more about Paul France