Bill Palazzi
Bill is a senior railway specialist with deep experience in signalling, operations, engineering and project leadership. He is recognised for his strategic thinking, innovative approach and ability to align technical solutions with broader economic and operational objectives.
His work focuses on capacity improvement and advanced train control, with significant contributions to major ETCS, CBTC and ATMS programs across Australia. Bill has led strategies and business cases that have secured more than $2Bn in funding and plays a key role in ensuring national interoperability as modern signalling systems are deployed.
Bill brings a rare combination of technical depth, commercial insight and system‑wide perspective, helping organisations make confident, evidence‑based decisions, reduce delivery risk and achieve stronger operational outcomes from complex rail systems investments.
Derek Frend
Derek’s 35‑year career shows how a signalling foundation can underpin exceptional project leadership. He has delivered major multi‑million‑dollar rail systems and station projects, including Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, and led the Systems Integrator for the Transport for NSW Digital Systems Program.
An outcome‑driven and collaborative leader, he is trusted for his ability to build strong relationships, navigate pressure and consistently deliver high‑quality results. His internationally recognised leadership, combined with his depth of systems expertise, enables organisations to reduce delivery risk, strengthen integration outcomes and achieve more reliable, future‑ready rail operations.
P-H Marillet
P‑H brings more than 25 years of experience in railway systems spanning design, procurement, installation, integration and commissioning. A leading ETCS specialist, he has played key roles in major programs across Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Wellington and national interoperability initiatives.
He combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of day‑to‑day railway operations, ensuring his guidance is practical, grounded and outcome‑focused. P‑H’s ability to navigate complexity and see whole‑of‑system implications helps organisations reduce delivery risk, strengthen integration outcomes and achieve more reliable, future‑ready rail operations.
James Frost
James is an experienced transport leader with a background in both aviation and rail, specialising in the delivery of complex infrastructure and systems into operational networks. He has a strong track record in integrating major projects, managing risk and ensuring smooth, reliable operational outcomes.
His recent work spans strategy, program integration and business case development, where he brings a whole‑of‑program perspective and helps diverse stakeholders navigate complex issues to reach clear, practical decisions. With well‑developed communication, negotiation and leadership skills, James offers a steady, detail‑driven approach that supports organisations to reduce delivery risk, strengthen integration outcomes and achieve more dependable, high‑performing transport systems.
Fred Tricoche
Fred brings extensive experience in leading and delivering complex rail systems projects, including more than a decade working across multiple ETCS programs on both trackside and onboard systems. His background also spans rolling stock procurement, engineering leadership and technical delivery, giving him strong capability across the full rail systems lifecycle.
He is highly skilled in project management, systems engineering, integration, operational readiness, safety assurance and cyber security, and is adept at guiding diverse stakeholders through competing priorities and complex demands. Fred’s steady, systems‑minded approach helps organisations reduce delivery risk, strengthen integration outcomes and achieve safer, more reliable and future‑ready rail operations.
Nicola Frost
Nic brings over 15 years of experience delivering initiatives of all sizes across transport, financial services and consulting. Her background spans project management, PMO establishment, procurement, stakeholder engagement and governance, with a strong focus on improving processes and strengthening project delivery.
She brings a calm, organised and detail‑driven approach that supports clearer decision‑making, stronger governance and smoother delivery outcomes. Nic’s enthusiasm and commitment to “getting the little things right” aligns perfectly with Palazzirail’s values of integrity and excellence, adding real value to organisations seeking reliable, well‑structured and high‑quality project execution
Debbie Palazzi
Debbie supports the Palazzirail team in her role as Financial Controller, bringing a diverse and highly practical accounting background. She is a CPA with more than 30 years’ experience across the education, winery, building products, heavy manufacturing and corporate services sectors. This breadth of experience has given her a strong understanding of day-to-day business operations and the financial frameworks that underpin them.
Highly organised and detail-focused, Debbie has well-developed expertise in financial management, budgeting, reporting and process improvement. Known for her approachable manner and collaborative mindset, she is committed to supporting her colleagues and is a valued member of the Palazzirail team.