Management profiles

Eric Cain, Chief Executive Officer

Eric joined Regal Transport Group as CEO in February 2009 when the company was first founded. He was formerly the Chief Operating Officer/General Manager of Westnet from 2003. Eric was appointed Director of Westnet after the acquisition of Westnet by publicly listed company iinet in 2008.

Prior to Westnet, Eric spent 15 years in senior commercial and accounting roles. During this time, he worked for various publicly listed companies in manufacturing, steel distribution, engineering and construction sectors in Western Australia and Victoria.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and is a qualified Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

Malcolm Niall, Managing Director

Malcolm began driving trucks in 1978 carting logs and bulk haulage. He then specialised in the transport of earthmoving equipment from 1980, working for Cardinal Contractors in Collie, WA as a driver. He then managed and built the transport arm of the business into a recognised Heavy Haulage company. In 1989 Malcolm founded N&L Transport along with a partner, one new truck and four employees. In 1995 Malcolm bought his partners share of the company, took full control, and started a regular service schedule to the Pilbara region. Malcolm has continued to expand the business with the help of a professional and committed team of 110 fulltime employees.

Malcolm’s son Brett drives a truck for the company and assists in Operations when needed.

Norm Salvarinas, Executive Director

Norm’s career began after graduating with a Bachelor of Science at the Western Australian Institute of Technology in 1980. He commenced work with Swanline Hauliers as an Operations Clerk. The basics of transport were absorbed in this role together with physical operational planning in the general freight industry.

Next, Norm worked for Bellway Pty Ltd and held a wide array of senior positions including Sales & Marketing Manager and Operations Manager. He worked there until 1989, then left to broaden his career in the mining industry, accepting the position of Business Development Manager at Eltin Open Pit Operations Pty Ltd. A great deal of experience was gained in Contract Mining, Crushing, Mine supply and Logistics and Heavy Haulage.
With this experience Norm together with Malcolm Niall founded Strategic Transport Services in 1996.

Norm’s sons Christopher and Michael both work for the company.

Alan Herbert, General Manager N&L Transport

Following a career in the banking and hospitality sector Alan settled on a career in Road Transport, starting as a long distance truck driver in 1976. During the 1980’s Alan broadened his exposure to the transport industry by becoming involved in earthmoving and bulk haulage in the Goldfields, Bulk Livestock Fodder and Loading of associated vessels, management of live chicken catching and relevant transport needs.

Alan worked as Transport Manager of General Freight at Mitchell Logistics for three years before being lured to N&L Transport in 2000. Alan was appointed as General Manager and was made responsible for running the company on a day to day basis with the outlook to grow the company at a steady rate to where it is today.

Michael French, General Manager of Strategic Transport Services

Mick’s passion for trucks started at the ripe old age of three! He didn’t actually drive professionally until 1977 but from there he gained grass roots experience and achieved a thorough knowledge of road systems and best practice procedures by driving road trains across the country to for 20 years.

Mick’s direction and focus eventually moved towards logistical management. In the year 2000 Mick transferred from N&L Transport to sister company Strategic Transport Services, where now as General Manager, he enjoys working with a professional team specialising in heavy haulage. Mick is involved in the wider interests of the transport by sitting on a Main Roads review committee & Transport Forums Heavy Haulage committee.

One of Mick’s sons, Corey, works in Strategic’s Operations department.

Darren Whitsed, Regal Transport Group General Manager – Assets & Maintenance

Darren grew up in a truck driving family and has been around the industry all of his life. He began working in the industry as an apprentice Heavy Duty Mechanic in 1981. In 1990 Darren became one of N&L Transport’s first employees and he has since worked in a variety of positions within the company such as driving, loading, operations and sales.

Years later, as the company expanded and safety awareness became an issue of major importance to the industry, Darren set up safety accreditation and fatigue management systems. Creating and implementing more efficient processes is something which he finds exciting and satisfying.