Rebecca Want

When asked to describe what she does, Rebecca Want keeps it simple: she works at the intersection of clients, markets and strategy. Client‑facing and deeply market‑aware, Rebecca’s role is about understanding what’s happening across the rail sector and using that insight to help shape where GHD focuses, how it brings value, and how its services continue to evolve to meet industry needs.

An engineer by training, Rebecca’s passion for transport grew the way it does for many in the sector — by stepping into opportunities and discovering just how much impact well‑designed transport networks can have. What motivates her most is connection: connecting people to communities, jobs and opportunities through transport systems that are efficient, intuitive and human‑centred. Rail, metros and high‑speed rail in particular stand out for their ability to fundamentally change how people move and live.

A defining chapter of Rebecca’s career was leading Sydney Trains’ Customer Information Improvement Program — a major initiative that became a turning point in how customer experience was approached across the network. The role ultimately led to her appointment as Sydney Metro’s first Director of Customer, a position that helped embed a clear, door‑to‑door customer strategy across one of Australia’s most significant transport projects.

For Rebecca, the lesson from that experience has stayed with her: when a clear strategy is set and agreed early, decision‑making becomes simpler and outcomes stronger. Establishing a shared vision for customer experience enabled everything that followed — from station design and wayfinding through to public art and moments of delight that are now a defining feature of Sydney Metro.

That customer‑first mindset continues to underpin Rebecca’s work today. While her role is now firmly client‑ and market‑focused, it is grounded in years spent “on the tools” — working in construction, on sites, upgrading track and OHW, delivering bridges and managing complex delivery environments. It’s this blend of technical grounding and strategic perspective that shapes how she approaches leadership and decision‑making.

Alongside her role at GHD, Rebecca has played a significant leadership role across the rail industry. She sits on the board of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), an experience she describes as career‑shaping. As part of a member‑led organisation representing rail across Australia and New Zealand, the role has given her exposure to diverse perspectives across regions, operators and the supply chain. Rebecca also chairs ARA’s Women in Rail program, where she leads initiatives aimed at making rail a more welcoming, inclusive industry. She has seen tangible progress in recent years, including increased female participation, mentoring programs and sector‑wide initiatives such as Champions of Change. For Rebecca, volunteering in industry has always been important — a way to strengthen connections, contribute beyond her day‑to‑day role, and help shape a better, more sustainable transport sector. 

Rather than pointing to a single defining moment, Rebecca credits the leaders she has worked with — particularly those who showed kindness, trust and advocacy — with shaping how she leads today. Throughout her career, she was encouraged to step into roles before she felt fully ready, an experience that reinforced her belief in backing people and creating space for them to grow.

Her engineering background, supported by postgraduate study in project management and an MBA, continues to influence her approach. She is practical, outcomes‑focused and structured — clear on what needs to be done, who needs to do it, and how roadblocks can be removed to keep momentum moving. 

Rebecca remains optimistic about the future of transport. While the pace of infrastructure delivery may fluctuate, she sees strong foundations in place — from freight and public transport connectivity to active transport and emerging opportunities such as high‑speed rail. At its core, she believes transport is fundamental to thriving cities and communities: when transport works well, people can live, work and connect more easily.

For those early in their careers, her advice is straightforward: give transport a go, put your hand up for opportunities, and stay open to discovering where your skills and values align. The sector offers breadth, purpose and the chance to make a lasting difference.

Outside of work, Rebecca values time outdoors and with family — creating beautiful gatherings and a garden on acreage in the Blue Mountains, walking along the coast, and bringing people together through shared experiences.