Kim Caldow, Executive General Manager, People and Culture at Ventura, has been recognised as a Winner in the Elite Women category at HRD Australia Elite Women 2026, acknowledging her leadership in advancing diversity, inclusion and workforce development within Australia’s transport industry.
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The HRD Australia Elite Women programme recognises outstanding women whose leadership and achievements are making a meaningful impact within their organisations and across the broader HR profession. Caldow’s recognition reflects her commitment to creating inclusive workplaces and expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in traditionally male-dominated industries.
As Executive General Manager, People and Culture at Ventura, one of Australia’s largest bus operators, Caldow leads the organisation’s people and culture strategy with a focus on employee engagement, leadership development and fostering a high-performing workplace culture. Her people-centred approach has helped shape initiatives that support both organisational growth and employee success.
A passionate advocate for women in transport, Caldow has played a key role in driving initiatives that increase female participation across the industry. Under her leadership, Ventura’s Women at the Wheel programme has provided more than 350 women with the opportunity to explore careers in transport through a fully funded MR licensing and training programme designed to build confidence, skills and awareness of career pathways.
Her commitment to gender diversity extends beyond driving roles. Women now represent 50% of Ventura’s 2026 workshop apprenticeship intake, while gender parity has been achieved within the organisation’s executive management team. Caldow has also been instrumental in establishing Ventura’s Women’s Contact Officer Program, strengthening support networks and helping foster a workplace culture centred on respect, safety and inclusion.
Through strategic partnerships, allyship initiatives and practical workplace programmes, Caldow continues to champion meaningful change, helping build a more diverse and connected future for the transport industry.
About Kim Caldow
Kim Caldow is executive general manager, people and culture at Ventura. She leads the organisation’s people and culture strategy and is recognised for her work in employee engagement, leadership development, diversity and inclusion. A strong advocate for women in transport, she has led initiatives that create pathways for greater participation and representation across the industry.
