Stewards on the Couch Series with Kat Stapleton
STEP UP, STAY PURPOSE-LED, AND COLLABORATE DELIBERATELY TO DELIVER LASTING VALUE FOR THE COMMUNIT
On Monday 16 February 2026, IPAA Queensland kicked off the 2026 program with the Stewards on the Couch series, welcoming Kat Stapleton, CEO, Queensland Rail, to the IPAA couch.
The conversation highlighted Queensland Rail’s scale and statewide footprint, with total assets of $11.3 billion and a network extending more than 6,600 kilometres across the state. Queensland Rail’s 8,000-strong workforce delivers over 8,500 services in South East Queensland each week, alongside regional services and support for freight transport. Queensland Rail was recognised as a complex enterprise that connects communities across Queensland, with more than 160 years of history.
Kat Stapleton spoke about the balance of delivering a safe, reliable service every day while progressing major investment and reform across the network. A consistent theme was staying grounded in why rail matters, serving customers and communities, and helping people get where they need to be. Kat also reflected on the responsibility that comes with public investment and the importance of being respectful of taxpayers’ funding.
Looking ahead, Kat shared insights on the opportunities and challenges facing Queensland as the state moves into a new era of rail, shaped by major infrastructure investment, regional connectivity, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Queensland will be on the world stage in 2032, success depends on the sector working as one coordinated system to deliver better customer experiences.
The discussion also explored how leadership can be built through diverse experience, grounded values and a willingness to step forward before you feel fully ready.
Attendees heard about Kat Stapleton’s leadership values and approach, including the disciplines that support strong customer outcomes, planning and preparation, clear protocols, and a “one team” culture across people and partners. The conversation also touched on the importance of integration across transport modes and technology to make journeys simpler for customers.
The session also built on the most recent “on the couch” conversation with Sally Stannard, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads, adding further depth to the exploration of transport infrastructure, stewardship, economic resilience, and improving the lives of Queenslanders.
Interested in hearing more? Check out the event blogs “Purpose, pressure & the power of talent” and “Insights on stewardship with Kat Stapleton”.
IPAA Queensland’s individual members can watch the entire event recording on the members portal.
Orchard Talent Group is more than a search firm – we are your partner in public value. Born from the need for capable, values-aligned leadership in complex times, we help organisations navigate reform, uncertainty and opportunity with people strategies that deliver lasting outcomes. Guided by our purpose to elevate people, organisations and sectors, we work alongside our partners to reshape systems, strengthen capability and realise impact – contributing meaningfully to a stronger tomorrow, today.
Kat was appointed Queensland Rail CEO on 14 April 2022, following her tenure as CFO since 2019. She is a high-impact, agile leader with extensive executive experience across finance, commercial, and operational roles in public and private sectors, locally and internationally. Her career includes senior positions at nbnCo and Bahrain Telecommunications, where she led large-scale transformation programs in complex environments.
Kat began her professional journey as a naval warfare officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, gaining early leadership experience through operational sea-going assignments. She is known for her strategic thinking, customer-centric approach, and commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in transport. Kat is currently an Australasian Railway Association (ARA) Director, member of the Rail Industry Innovation Council, and sits on the CEDA Queensland State Advisory Council.
Stewards on the Couch is a regular and highly popular feature of IPAA’s annual event program, where one or more chief executives sit down for an informal, conversational-style interview.
These events provide the IPAA community an opportunity to learn more about the influences, priorities, and core values of stewards leading public purpose work along with the key challenges and opportunities facing their organisation and/or sector. Guests are invited to stay for networking and refreshments after the interview.