TransLink taps Transdev Auckland's Ladrak for president and GM role
TransLink has named Michel Ladrak as president and general manager of BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC), effective August 15. TransLink says Ladrak's appointment follows "an extensive global search."
"With over 20 years of experience in the transportation sector, Michel will be an exceptional addition to BCRTC and the TransLink enterprise as we continue to grow our fleet, expand service across the region, and encourage ridership growth," said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond and BCRTC Board Chair Chris Lythgo in a joint statement.
Ladrak will come to TransLink from Auckland Transit Metro Rail, managed by Transdev, where he serves as managing director. TransLink notes that rail is a favored mode of transport for Aucklanders with satisfaction levels above 92.5 percent.
"With a focus on employee engagement, customer satisfaction and safety programs, [Ladrak] leads a team that transformed the organization into a high performing business which now consistently exceeds its performance targets," said Desmond and Lythgo.
Ladrak's previous experience includes roles as Transdev Auckland’s Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the almost complete transition of the fleet from diesel railcars to modern electric units. TransLink says annual ridership doubled to more than 10 million trips in less than four years following the fleet change.
Ladrak grew up in the Netherlands where he began his transportation career. He managed operations in the Hague area for Dutch Railways, preparing the company’s cross-border services under the European Rail Traffic Management System and leading the team that introduced the Netherlands’ first high-speed rail service.
Ladrak will be succeeding Haydn Acheson, who delayed his retirement to serve as TransLink president and general manager for the past year.
"[Acheson's] eight-year commitment to CMBC and BCRTC, along with his extensive knowledge of running this business, will be missed," said Desmond and Lythgo.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
