People on the move

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE HELPS YOU KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR.

DAVID MCPADDEN JOINS VENTIA EXECUTIVE TEAM David McPadden has been appointed Ventia’s Group Executive – Transport (on an interim basis) as Peter Borden stepped down from the role due to health issues. Borden has been instrumental in the growth of Ventia and will remain with the business for a transitionary period through 2022. McPadden has previously served as the General Manager of Ventia’s Australian Road Transport Operations. Prior to joining Ventia, McPadden held the position of Executive General Manager for WBHO Infrastructure and Senior Construction Management and Project Director roles at Leighton Contractors and BMD. McPadden holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Honours) from Swinburne University of Technology.

TSA APPOINTS ADVISOR FOR SCIENCE AND INNOVATION SECTORS Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has appointed Dr Linda Mitchell as the fi rst science and innovation advisor for the organisation. TSA CEO Lina Goodman said the appointment was another step forward in advancing Australia’s competitiveness in managing its own tyre waste stream and unlocking opportunities for the national economy. “This new role is about building our capability to collaborate with, and support, science and innovation sectors critical to research and development of new products from used tyres,” Ms Goodman explained. “It’s also about connecting research and industry to increase commercial returns, such as the creation of new markets, technology, skills and jobs.”

INFRASTRUCTURE NT COMMISSIONER APPOINTED The Northern Territory Government has appointed Ms Louise McCormick to the role of Commissioner for Infrastructure NT. Over the past 16 years, McCormick has been involved in planning, delivery and management of some of the Territory’s largest and most complex infrastructure projects and has been instrumental in securing Australian Government funding for signifi cant road upgrades across the state. Infrastructure NT was established in 2021 in accordance with the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s recommendation to establish a strategic infrastructure planning and development function. The role of the body will be to plan and coordinate the Territory’s infrastructure needs in line with industry and population growth.

BESIX WATPAC STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM Australian construction contractor BESIX Watpac has appointed Nick Luzar as Chief Operating Offi cer. CEO Mark Baker said the new executive appointment aligned with the company’s objective to strengthen its strategic focus on transport and marine infrastructure, in addition to its core capabilities in health facilities, stadiums and complex commercial projects. Luzar is a UNSW graduate with a Bachelor of Building and an Executive MBA, and his career portfolio matches the BESIX Watpac strategy with experience in marine infrastructure, rail, health and education facilities and a wide range of building projects. He has worked with Thiess, John Holland, Laing O’Rourke, Acciona and most recently Hansen and Yuncken as NSW/ACT State Manager.