GHD announces new leaders in Australia

One of the world’s leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, GHD, announces four senior appointments in the Australian region:

• Technical Services Leader, Australia – Jill Hannaford
• Market Development Leader, Australia – Sonia Adams
• Western Australian Manager – Sheldon Krahe
• Australian Market Leader – Energy and Resources – Craig Walkemeyer

Phil Duthie, GHD’s General Manager – Australia, comments, “Having maintained and enhanced our position through the challenges of the last few years in the Australian market, our focus now turns to purposeful growth. These leaders will support our local teams in implementing our strategy and driving performance, empowering our people and differentiating GHD as a leader in client service.”

Technical Services Leader – Jill Hannaford

Jill’s focus will be to enhance collaboration and create career pathways using the framework of GHD’s service line structure. These service lines bring together more than 75 different services, ranging from agriculture to water treatment.

With a career at GHD spanning more than 23 years, Jill was the driving force in establishing the company’s Stakeholder Engagement and Social Sustainability service. She was a pioneer in the field of community consultation and stakeholder engagement for infrastructure, and a founder of International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia.

For many years now, Jill has also been an integral member of GHD’s leadership team for the Sydney region.

In 2015, Jill was recognised by her peers with a Champion of Change award from consulting industry association Consult Australia.

Jill says, “Striving for excellence in our service lines and giving our people interesting and challenging career pathways continues to be a strong focus for me. I am looking forward to working with our service line leaders to enhance collaboration within our technical services both in Australia and around the globe.”

Market Development Leader – Sonia Adams

Sonia will lead GHD’s growth strategies in Australia and position the company for nationally significant project opportunities.

As Manager – Client Liaison in Sydney, Sonia has been responsible for positioning, connecting with technical partners, and building relationships with clients and stakeholders for major projects, including the proposed Western Sydney Airport.

Sonia champions client relationship management and is committed to excellent client service. She is a past President of the Asia Pacific Professional Services Marketing Association.

Sonia says, “Client service is at the heart of who we are. In an industry that’s increasingly borderless and more competitive than ever before, we want to continue to stand out for exceeding our clients’ needs and expectations.”

Manager – Western Australia – Sheldon Krahe

Sheldon brings a strong client focus which is vital in the competitive Western Australian market and will build on the leadership Craig Walkemeyer has provided in this area.

As Australian Market Leader – Property and Buildings, Sheldon has played a key role in strengthening our client relationships in the sector and supporting the growth of our GHD Woodhead integrated design practice. He has more than 25 years of professional experience, across both the consulting industry and the Australian Defence Force.

Sheldon says, “My focus will be on ensuring a sustainable and high-performing business in Western Australia, and empowering our people to realise GHD’s vision of being the industry leader in delivering great service to our clients.”

Australian Market Leader – Energy and Resources – Craig Walkemeyer

Craig Walkemeyer will focus on growing GHD’s client relationships, technical capability, and industry partnerships in the power, mining, and oil and gas industries.

As Manager for Western Australia, Craig has demonstrated leadership in capitalising on opportunities in challenging market conditions.

Previously, Craig led GHD’s Energy and Resources business in Western Australia, building on his extensive experience in senior executive roles with major resource companies including BHP and Alcoa.

Craig says, “I’m excited by the prospect of positioning GHD to be the leader in the Australian energy and resources market. Whilst the market has been experiencing challenging times, my focus is to place GHD front of mind for our clients as the market transitions back into growth.”