Transport for NSW has restructured its technology division, creating a new ‘Group Technology’ unit as part of a push for a “more centralised and strategic approach” to service delivery.
The shake-up follows the recent appointment of Jason Tuendemann as group chief technology officer in April, after chief technology and innovation officer Kurt Brissett left to join construction firm Built.
As part of the restructuring, TfNSW is now recruiting for a chief information security officer (CISO), chief data officer (CDO), and an executive director of strategy, architecture and partnering.
All three roles will report directly to Tuendemann.
“As part of the broader organisational transformation, Group Technology has designed its leadership team to adopt a more centralised and strategic approach,” a TfNSW spokesperson said.
“This new structure has been designed to strengthen our capability in delivering innovative, secure and data-driven services to the people of NSW.”
The restructure comes a year after TfNSW revealed its first enterprise-wide technology strategy, which includes a “digital-by-default” approach to introducing technology into its operations.
The agency’s corporate plan for 2024-2025 [pdf] also revealed plans for an organisation-wide data strategy, with the new chief data officer to be tasked with developing an enterprise data practice, strategy and governance.
“This position will ensure data is treated as a critical strategic asset, delivering value across its entire lifecycle, and ensuring the maintenance of its reliability, security, and accessibility,” the spokesperson said.
Through these efforts, TfNSW said it intends to use “technology, data analytics and artificial intelligence to better understand travel patterns on [its] network”, according to the corporate plan.
The new structure also centralises the cyber security function under Group Technology, with TfNSW stating that the CISO “will lead efforts to safeguard [its] digital infrastructure”.
Between September 2021 and May 2024, the CISO role was held by Murray Taylor, who succeeded Fred Thiele.
Natasha Scott also served as TfNSW director of cyber defence between 2023 and March this year before leaving to join the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure as its CISO.
Meanwhile, the executive director of strategy, architecture and partnering will lead the strategic vision and delivery of technology initiatives across the organisation, including collaboration with internal stakeholders and partners.
“This new operating model reflects our commitment to recognising the strategic importance of data, security and technology in shaping the future of transport,” the spokesperson added.
“By consolidating functions and enhancing capability, we aim to deliver more real-time value to our passengers and users, empowering them to make informed decisions about their journeys.”
