Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has announced Paul Gleeson’s
appointment as Managing Director – Energy, Resources and Manufacturing.
Paul will continue to build Aurecon’s momentum as Australia’s leading engineering advisor to the
energy sector, supporting the country’s transition to a lower-carbon future.
Incoming Chief Executive Officer William Cox said Paul would lead Aurecon’s business across
Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Africa, pursuing opportunities to innovate as each industry
undergoes rapid change.
William said: “Paul previously led our energy business on Australia’s East Coast, driving the
significant growth in our core business and establishing our energy advisory business over the last
five years. He will remain focused on driving our development, now across all of Energy, Resources
and Manufacturing sectors globally.
“Each of these sectors is undergoing significant disruption. Paul’s experience helping clients through
transformation using a combination of digital solutions and design led innovation will be translated to
unlock similar benefits in resources and manufacturing, helping to create sustainable industries. In
particular, resources and manufacturing businesses are large users of energy, and Aurecon’s deep
understanding of the energy sector will continue to be leveraged to help these sectors better manage
energy costs.”
Paul said that Aurecon would play an important role in driving change for the future of each of these
industries, designing technology and innovative solutions integral to meeting tomorrow’s challenges.
Paul has worked on some of the most significant projects in the Australian energy market; advising on
the successful acquisition of TransGrid, the development, design and delivery of Australia’s largest
solar farms, and the ongoing implementation of the South Australian energy plan which led to the
installation of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery. A report detailing the impact of this battery,
owned by Neoen, and built by Tesla was released by Paul and his team just last week.
“As energy systems transform the world over, it’s critical that key agencies collaborate to look at the
system as a whole, shifting their focus to what is best for consumers in relation to affordability,
reliability and sustainability. This is particularly relevant given the rising use of renewable energy in
Australia, creating a greater need for collaboration between industry and the government to achieve
integration of infrastructure. We see this clearly on the energy storage projects we are involved with,
both battery and pumped hydro,” Paul said.
Paul commented the priority for New Zealand is to consolidate the region’s strong manufacturing and
energy business and help clients implement new technologies and digital solutions to optimise their
processes, and transition to the production of higher value products.
“We’re seeing considerable potential as we embed our advisory practices more closely with our
technical offerings for our energy, resources and manufacturing business areas, specifically program
advisory and digital advisory to help asset owners optimise their operations.
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“In Africa our focus for the resources sector will be building on our great track record and solid
opportunities throughout sub-Saharan Africa, while for the energy sector it will be about supporting
clients through some significant challenges in the next few years,” he said.
William also congratulated the outgoing Managing Director – Energy, Resources and Manufacturing,
Dr Alex Wonhas, on his upcoming appointment as a senior executive at the Australian Energy Market
Operator (AEMO): “I cannot think of a better challenge for Alex than his future role at AEMO. We are
very proud that an Aurecon alumni will play an instrumental role in shaping Australia’s energy future.
With Alex’s unique combination of leadership and technical skills, Australia’s energy future is in very
capable hands.”
Paul is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of
Company Directors. He holds a Certificate in Design Led Innovation from Stanford University and a
Bachelor of Engineering from the Queensland University of Technology.
