Brown and Hurley appoint new CEO

For the first time in their 78 years of operation, road transport industry icon Brown and Hurley have appointed their first non-family CEO. Having operated as a dual family-owned business for that entire time, the appointment of Ryan O’Doherty marks a paradigm shift.

Set to take up the role from 1 January 2025, he succeeds Paul Hurley, who will enjoy retirement – albeit as he steps across to being a board member from July next year. The change marks a new chapter for Brown and Hurley as it continues to advance its vision for the future.

The northern NSW and Queensland distributors for Kenworth and DAF, Brown and Hurley sell trucks, trailers and agricultural machinery across an array of dealership locations, including Kyogle, Townsville, Rockhampton, Tamworth and Coffs Harbour, to name but a few.

O’Doherty’s professional journey began more than 20 years ago as an apprentice diesel mechanic, specialising in road transport, before he diversified into sales and after sales roles, with more than 25 years in a family-owned CAT dealership to his credit.

During this period, he not only thrived in sales and operations management but also acquired substantial experience in the rental sector. For the past nine years, O’Doherty formed part of that dealership’s executive team, including as its Chief Operating Officer.

Along the way he gained extensive knowledge of trucks, construction, and agricultural practices and machinery, making him the perfect fit for Brown and Hurley. Work life aside, the family man coaches junior AFL football and mentor’s young athletes.

"I am both honoured and excited to join Brown and Hurley as CEO, a company renowned for its legacy and strong values,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with the team to continue driving the company’s growth and to build on the solid foundation laid over the past 78 years.”

O’Doherty highlighted Brown and Hurley's commitment to its customers, employees, and community as key to the reason he joined the organisation, partly because its values align with his own. He will focus on building on the foundations laid by Paul Hurley.

"We are pleased to welcome Ryan as our new CEO," Brown and Hurley group board chair Rob Brown said. "He has a proven ability to lead a company such as ours with his extensive experience in a similar market and with a similar family structure.”

You can find out more by visiting OnlyTrailers.com.au or OnlyTrucks.com.au – where you can also see the full range of DAF and Kenworth prime movers, and a range of trailers.

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