The Centre for Connected and Automated Transport (CCAT) has appointed Brook Hall as its acting Executive Director, stepping in for Rahila David, as she and her partner welcome their first child.

Mr. Hall brings to the role 20 years of experience across state and national government bodies and the NTRO. His unique blend of leadership experience, industry networks, policy advisory solutions, and technical expertise positions him well to lead CCAT in its mission to advance connected and automated transport solutions within Australia and New Zealand. 

“I’m really pleased to have Brook taking the reins at CCAT. Brook’s unique background in policy, engagement and research combined with his future transport expertise will be incredibly valued as CCAT delivers important initiatives in 2025 including the National Future Transport Summit,” says Rahila David.

Over the past 5 and half years, Mr. Hall has established a reputation as a leader in sustainable transport, specialising in low carbon and recycled infrastructure materials, lifecycle and economic assessments, sustainable freight and network resilience. Mr. Hall has strong networks across governments and industry in Australia and New Zealand and has also served a term as Australia’s representative of the World Road Congress (PIARC) Environmental Sustainability in Road Infrastructure and Transport Technical Committee, continuing to bring a global perspective to CCAT.

“Brook will deliver the continuity of high-level leadership for CCAT as we move into a very exciting 2025. The rest of the world has embraced the opportunity that comes from safer, smarter and connected vehicles. It is time that Australia moved much quicker in this space and CCAT is the vehicle that will bring together the policy makers and practitioners to move the dial on this step change in mobility” said the CEO of the NTRO Michael Caltabiano.

Mr. Hall's previous roles, including at the National Transport Commission, Victorian Parliament and conducting research for a Royal Commission have equipped him well. He’s worked with diverse government and industry transport industry stakeholders to collaboratively deliver national initiatives that improve productivity, safety, and environmental outcomes. He has been instrumental in developing national frameworks for evaluating transport laws, benchmarking light vehicle carbon dioxide emissions, and steering the delivery of a national agreement for new heavy vehicle regulatory amendments. His experience aligns with CCAT's focus on applying autonomous and connected technology to transport infrastructure.

Brook Hall comments, “I am excited to lead the CCAT as it enters a critical and influential period following two-years of admirable and skilful leadership by Rahila. In a way its ‘back to the future’ for me as I was working on automated vehicle policy and regulations before I came to the NTRO nearly six years ago.

“I can’t wait to get out and meet the diverse and dedicated CCAT members and other important stakeholders who will help define the pathway for the deployment of connected and automated technologies.

“Whilst there are likely to be some major challenges along the way, the safety, productivity and sustainability benefits of connected and automated technologies are transformational. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead a major piece of our mobility future.”

Under Mr. Hall's interim leadership, CCAT will continue to facilitate Australia's and New Zealand's transition to an automated future, championing the full benefits of this technology across all modes of mobility.