After nearly a decade as Executive Director of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), Dr James Cameron has taken the reins as CEO of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. 

James has overseen a period of growth for the ACIF, which currently has 24 member associations, including Consult Australia.

Reflecting on his tenure in a farewell address to ACIF members, James noted several key challenges that had shaped the industry, including the Grenfell Fire tragedy in London, the federal government Building Confidence report, Melbourne’s La Crosse fire and Sydney’s Opal Tower structural issues. Throw in the Covid pandemic, the housing affordability crisis and the CFMEU being placed into administration, he noted.

“Throughout various challenges, the construction industry has thrived and gone from strength to strength,” he noted. “There are so many talented, conscientious, industrious and good-hearted people in the industry, and together we are transforming the nation for the better.”

Kate Day, Alex Wright, Sally Wilson and Sheldon Krahe take on new roles at global, multidisciplinary professional services firm GHD.

Kate Day (pictured) has been appointed GHD’s Regional General Manager for Sydney, bringing nearly 30 years of consulting experience, including 14 years with GHD in Sydney. Her primary focus will be supporting strategic growth initiatives, strengthening client relationships and continuing to deliver project excellence.

GHD’s new Regional General Manager for Western Australia is Alex Wright, where she is tasked with driving business performance excellence and strengthening market presence. With more than 20 years at GHD, Alex has served as Operations Manager in WA since 2020. She is Deputy Chair of Consult Australia’s WA Committee.

Sally Wilson is GHD’s new Australian Market Leader, Environment. With more than 20 years of experience across both the private and public sectors, Sally brings deep expertise in environmental impact assessment, natural resource management and government environmental approvals.

Sheldon Krahe has been appointed APAC Energy Leader, a newly created role that reflects GHD’s strategic focus on energy growth across the region. Sheldon brings more than 30 years of leadership experience and a strong track record in program delivery, market development and regional management. Sheldon is also an Executive Director on GHD's Global Board.

WT’s State Director in Queensland Chris Reyneke brings more than 20 years of international experience in cost management, quantity surveying and commercial advisory.

Chris has delivered significant public sector projects across South Africa, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. Prior to joining WT, Chris held senior leadership roles at a global engineering firm, where he led teams on complex social infrastructure projects spanning sports and venues, public and civic, health and education.

“Chris joins us at an exciting time, with Queensland preparing for an unprecedented pipeline of infrastructure projects in the lead-up to the 2032 Games,” said Tim Bessell, National Director and Sports & Venues Lead at WT.

“I’m thrilled to be joining WT at such a pivotal time for Queensland’s built environment,” Chris adds. “I look forward to working with the team to help our clients navigate complexity, manage risk, and deliver successful outcomes that leave a lasting impact.”

Engineering services firm TTW has welcomed Craig Seeto as its new Global Civil Director.

Craig was with Arcadis for more than six years, most recently as National Sector Lead for Defence. He also spent nearly 12 years with AECOM.

With an impressive track record delivering some of Australia’s most complex infrastructure projects, Craig brings technical expertise and collaborative leadership to the role with TTW.

Managing Director Kevin Berry welcomes Craig to the leadership team: “This strategic placement reflects our commitment to shaping the future of civil engineering at TTW. I’m excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities this appointment unlocks.”