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Riding the technology wave DURING HIS 35-YEAR ROAD TRANSPORT CENTRED CAREER, HAMISH CHRISTIE-JOHNSTON LIVED AND WORKED IN NEW SOUTH WALES, VICTORIA, NEW ZEALAND AND, BRIEFLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. such as Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Detroit, Allison Transmission, Dennis Eagle and MTU. The technology changes that have occurred during his 35-year career really stand out for Hamish. “From the mechanically governed Cat engines that I started my career with to the electronically controlled drivetrains and zero emissions solutions that we see today, this advancement is ongoing and certainly not slowing down,” he says. As for those in the industry who’ve influenced him most, Hamish mentions Dale Elphinstone and Roger Penske. “I reported directly to Dale during my time at Victorian and Tasmanian Cat Dealer William Adams and I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Roger since joining his organisation,” he says. Hamish Christie-Johnston was born at
“Fortunately, I ended up taking the job at
As for the future, Hamish says he is looking
Corryong in north-east Victoria, the eldest
Cat rather than Kodak,” he says with a
forward to the year ahead and the launch
son of Hilary and Hamish Christie-Johnston
wry grin.
of new Western Star and MAN models into
– who was at the time Parish Minister at the
“When I started at Cat in Tullamarine in
the Australian market, shortly followed by
Corryong Presbyterian Church.
1987, Bob Hawke was the PM and Sir
New Zealand.
The family moved to Hobart when Hamish
Joh was the Premier of Queensland. At
“Our team has been working hard to
was an infant and lived there for about five
that same time, the ubiquitous Cat 3406B
prepare for these launches and to improve
years before moving back to Melbourne in
truck engine was being fitted to a large
our levels of customer service in readiness
1970, where he was educated.
number of new Western Star and Kenworth
for the increased demand these new
“Throughout my upbringing and
prime movers; and, of course, it was
products are expected to produce,” he says.
working life, I’ve always been directly
the launch year for the ground-breaking
“Just as importantly, we’re passionate
involved in supporting primary industries
Detroit Series 60.”
about developing our future leaders and
such as mining, agriculture and forestry,”
After 20 years working for Caterpillar and
creating an environment that attracts
Hamish says.
two of the Cat dealers, Hamish worked
people to our industry.”
“Road transport has been the common
for two mining services companies –
thread running through all these activities,
first as General Manager in the largest
with the movement of livestock, produce,
mining equipment rental company in the
timber and mineral resources around the
world, and then as CEO of a small private
Industry Icon
country.”
underground mining services business.
Made possible by Smedley’s Engineers.
Hamish graduated from Melbourne
In 2014, he joined the Penske team
Industry Icon is a series dedicated to
University as a Mechanical Engineer and
following the acquisition of what is now
honouring the unsung heroes of the
was subsequently interviewed by BHP,
called Penske Australia & New Zealand.
commercial road transport industry.
Kodak and Caterpillar.
Penske represents a diverse range of brands
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Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 22
