Engineering firm Ashburner Francis has promoted two long-term employees, Toby Murdoch and Lara Bailey, to take on the dual management of its Brisbane headquarters.

Mechanical Engineer and ESD Manager Lara joined Ashburner Francis more than 10 years ago. Since then, she has amassed a wealth of experience with Green-Star rated projects. Senior Associate Toby began his career as an apprentice electrician before embarking on further studies and moving into estimating and project management roles.

Ashburner Francis Managing Director Brian Kenny acknowledged the contribution of the firm’s outgoing Brisbane Director, Darren Cardy, who leaves the building services industry after an impressive tenure. Among Darren’s achievements was the introduction of an in-house hydraulics division.

As AECOM’s new Area Manager for South Australia, Klinton Devenish will lead a multi-disciplinary team delivering sustainable infrastructure across the state.

Klinton joins AECOM from WSP. He has held executive leadership roles with the City of Adelaide and Fulton Hogan. He has a track record of leading organisational change and sustained growth by developing high-performing teams in complex and diverse market sectors.

“As a proud South Australian, I see the huge potential that lies ahead for our industry and a pipeline of infrastructure projects that will require us to be flexible, adapt and innovate. AECOM’s culture of investment in its people and a genuine commitment to clients will ensure we are best placed to deliver.”

Global professional services company GHD has appointed David Bartholomew as a non-executive director.

An experienced global company director, David currently serves on the boards of Atlas Arteria, Endeavour Energy, Keolis Downer and is Chair of Nasdaq-listed Iris Energy and Atmos Renewables Group.

David previously led DUET Group, which had interests in regulated energy utilities and electricity generation in Australia, USA and the UK. He has also held senior roles at BHP, Boston Consulting and Lendlease. Rob Knott, GHD’s Chair says: “David’s extensive corporate experience and insights into energy markets is a valuable addition to our diverse, global governance team." 

GHD is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Piani as Market Leader - Federal Government. In this role, Adrian will curate GHD’s Australian Federal Government offering on a national scale in collaboration with our Advisory, Digital and regional teams, as well as clients and delivery partners across all market sectors.

"Adrian is a highly respected engineer and consultant, both here in the ACT and nationally. I'm excited to have such an outstanding leader join our successful and growing team," says Lucy Hovanec, General Manager – ACT, Southern New South Wales and PNG, GHD.

"As we evolve our business in response to today's rapidly changing market, it's terrific to have Adrian take a leading role in guiding our service offering to all of our valued clients."

Adrian has 25 years of experience working in the public and private sectors as an executive manager. He has led multi-disciplinary teams in the professional services engineering and environmental consulting sectors to deliver high-quality projects locally and nationally. In his most recent role as the ACT Chief Engineer, Adrian advised the ACT Government on strategic infrastructure decision-making and stewarded the delivery of key ACT infrastructure initiatives. 

His latest achievements include developing and gaining cabinet approval for the ACT Government Engineering Workforce Plan, leading the new Electrification of Government Gas Assets program and providing executive leadership on three of the ACT Government's largest projects: Canberra Hospital Expansion, CIT Woden Development and Canberra Theatre Redevelopment. 

In line with GHD's focus on sustainability as a guiding force in infrastructure, Adrian has also done key work in the field, advising the Australian Government on its multibillion-dollar 'Water for the Future' program and leading the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council Resilience Task Group.

"We are at a critical time in the development of sustainable solutions for Australia and the world," Adrian says. "We need to keep investing in our infrastructure to provide our communities access to the services they require. I am thrilled to be working with our clients and harnessing the amazing expertise of GHD to create sustainable solutions for generations to come."