AT Chief Executive to step back AT Chief Executive to step back

Date: 02 February 2026

After almost three years leading Auckland Transport, Chief Executive Dean Kimpton will be finishing his role on Friday 1 May.

AT Board Chair Richard Leggat says the organisation, under Dean’s leadership, has put a strong focus on delivering outcomes for Aucklanders, customers and communities.

“We are grateful for Dean’s commitment to AT and Aucklanders over the past three years. I’d like to thank him for his significant contribution and wish him the very best for his future endeavours,” Mr Leggat says.

“Under his leadership, we have seen two years of delivering our biggest ever capital programmes, the introduction of new ways to pay on public transport, more frequent services, innovation as we use technology to improve network productivity, and an organisation focused on delivering agreed outcomes for Auckland Council.

“The reform of transport in Auckland, expected to receive Royal Assent next month, will see the organisation shifting to focus solely on public transport.

“The board agrees this is the appropriate time for alternative interim leadership arrangements, more aligned to upcoming change.”

The AT Board will consider these arrangements with Auckland Council ahead of Mr Kimpton’s departure, as the organisation moves towards legislative changes and reform.

Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson acknowledges Dean’s contribution to AT and the wider Auckland Council whānau.

“I have known and worked with Dean for many years, both in his role at Auckland Transport and prior to that when he was Chief Operating Officer at Council and appreciate his commitment to delivering for Aucklanders in all his work. There have been measurable improvements at AT during his tenure,” Mr Wilson says.

“We wish Dean the very best and thank him for his work and leadership, and in particular in working closely with us to set transport arrangements up for the future.”