OUR PEOPLE

Our Directors

PETER MURPHY

MANAGING DIRECTOR

PETER MURPHY

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Peter is the MD, founding member and joint owner of OPEC Systems and has over 25 years' experience in the environmental engineering and consulting industry. Peter holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) and has competencies in Complex Project Management, Inter-Party Negotiations, Business Development and Training. Peter has led a number of complex projects for State/Federal Government agencies.

Phone:+61 1300 11 6732

CONNOR WALSH

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CONNOR WALSH

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Connor is the CEO and joint owner of OPEC Systems and has over 25 years of local and international business experience. Joining OPEC in 2005, Connor worked previously for EMI Music Group. Connor holds a Bachelor of Business and is an Associate with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (1989). Connor also holds competencies in Complex Project Management, Contract Negotiation, Business Development and Training.

Phone:+61 2 9454 2500

Our Senior Management Team

GEOFF ROWLAND

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER

GEOFF ROWLAND

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER

Prior to joining OPEC, Geoff completed 21 years’ service in the Australian Defence Force, rising to the position of Regimental Sergeant Major. He has a proven track record in General Management and Project Management acting as the Chief Operating Officer for OPEC Systems for 5 years before commencing his new role. Geoff is a specialist in the planning and conduct of a wide range of operations including Counter Landmine Warfare, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), CBRN Defence, Commercial Diving and Asbestos remediation. Geoff has been a Member of the Institute of Explosive Engineers since 2012.

Phone:+61 7 3390 6353

ADRIAN HAWES

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ADRIAN HAWES

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Adrian Hawes joined OPEC in February 2012 as Marine Business Development Manager. Adrian has extensive experience in the oil spill response and emergency management sector, working within the regulatory and port environment. He was previously employed by Maritime Safety Queensland as Area Manager, responsible for emergency response, marine investigations and commercial vessel monitoring, and also has ten years’ experience with Sydney Ports Corporation. Adrian has commercial marine qualifications as well as a BSc in Australian Environmental Studies. Adrian possesses a strong drive to achieve business and customer objectives, and his experience within the incident management industry provides stable customer service and effective management of day-to-day operations.

Phone:+61 7 3390 6353

JAY HOWLAND

GENERAL MANAGER EPOC ENVIRO

JAY HOWLAND

GENERAL MANAGER EPOC ENVIRO

Jay has 18 years of engineering and management experience, 13 of which he has been employed by OPEC Systems, providing intelligently engineered environmental solutions in both the energy and environmental markets. As General Manager of OPEC's Enviro Division, Jay manages a diverse team of project, manufacturing and research and development professionals to deliver market leading PFAS remediation solutions to industry.

Phone:+61 1300 11 6732

MIKE RANSOM

GENERAL MANAGER DEFENCE SERVICES

MIKE RANSOM

GENERAL MANAGER DEFENCE SERVICES

Based on the Central Coast NSW, Mike is the General Manager of the Defence Services Division of OPEC Systems Pty Ltd, responsible for the Divisions service delivery. Within the commercial UXO market, Mike has brought his extensive skills to bear on a number of complex UXO remediation and assessment projects, both for Defence, Commercial and Private Clients, within Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao, Solomon Islands, Republic of Kiribati and Nauru.

Phone:+61 2 9454 2500
Email:[email protected]

DAVE KIRKBY

GENERAL MANAGER OPEC COLLEGE

DAVE KIRKBY

GENERAL MANAGER OPEC COLLEGE

Based in Brisbane QLD, David is the General Manager for OPEC College, our Registered Training Organisation (RTO). He is a highly capable Training professional with a proven track record in Senior Management across a number of large RTOs. As the OPEC College General Manager, he is responsible for the development, compliance, delivery and assessment of training, across all of OPEC College’s extensive suite of qualifications.

Phone:+61 7 3390 6353
Email:[email protected]

KIERON ZAJAC

GENERAL MANAGER ENERGY

KIERON ZAJAC

GENERAL MANAGER ENERGY

Kieron has ten years’ experience in the Energy Division Fuel and Tank Management. He is an experienced Business Development Manager and Project Manager which gives him the confidence to oversee the overall requirements of a project, while his practical engineering knowledge, developed over a number of medium to large scale projects, ensures the operational and technical aspects of a project are carefully monitored. His key skill is the proven ability to coordinate unique, complex, multifaceted projects from conception, through planning, design and construction to final delivery.

Phone:+61 2 4944 9287

Our Management Team

NICKY WALSH

MARKETING MANAGER

NICKY WALSH

MARKETING MANAGER

With over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Nicky has been working as Marketing Manager for OPEC Systems for 11 years. Prior to this Nicky worked as Marketing Manager at Ernst & Young in the Sydney office and previous to this, in Ernst and Young’s London office. As Marketing Manager of OPEC Systems Nicky works with the Managing Director, CEO and Business Development Managers to develop and execute marketing strategies and campaigns in line with the organisation's business plans and objectives.

Phone:+61 2 9454 2500

DALLAS EVANS

HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY MANAGER (HSEQ)

DALLAS EVANS

HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY MANAGER (HSEQ)

Dallas is OPEC's HSEQ Manager, whose focus is to ensure that our people and anyone involved with OPEC Systems, embrace our Core values, to provide the safest working environment possible. Dallas manages OPEC’s effective and Certified HSEQ management systems, and strives for continual improvement of the health, safety, environment and quality aspects across the company. Dallas knows that with the right culture, we can make a real difference in our performance, to ensure that we deliver our services without causing harm to people or the environment. As OPEC is a member of the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), Dallas also acts as the OPEC Security Officer and ensures the desired protective security culture is promoted and maintained across the company.

Phone:+61 2 9454 2500

EMMA HILL-LEWIS

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

EMMA HILL-LEWIS

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Prior to joining OPEC Emma came from a decade long career in Oil & Gas and Construction where she managed a variety of project teams and supporting functions in the disciplines of Quality, Engineering, Information and IT services. She has extensive experience in leading change projects and developing company capability. Emma is passionate about people and culture and as the HR Manager, Emma develops and maintains the systems and policies to support OPECs people across a diverse range of projects and industry. Emma’s focus is on attracting great people and to continue to grow the OPEC culture in line with the company’s Core Values.

Phone:9454 2500
Email:[email protected]

JOHN HARLEY

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

JOHN HARLEY

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

John is the Financial Controller for OPEC Systems. Joining OPEC in 2018, John brings a wealth of experience from consulting in IT risk at a ‘Big 4’ accounting firm and holding finance roles for ASX listed companies both in Australia and overseas. John’s invaluable skill set sees him managing the company’s finance function as well as the rollout of new IT systems to prepare for future growth. He graduated from the University of Western Australia with a double degree, Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Computer Science, and is a member of the Institute of Charted Accountants. He is also conversationally fluent in Mandarin. John graduated from the University of Western Australia with a double degree, Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Computer Science. He then went on to complete the Chartered Accountants Program with Ernst & Young in Perth being admitted to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2010. Whilst with Ernst & Young John worked as Senior Consultant in their Technology and Security Risk Services team. In 2009, looking for a new experience and adventure he moved to Taiwan to teach English with the aim of learning Mandarin and gaining an appreciation of Chinese culture for future work opportunities. After two years teaching English and learning Chinese at different levels John moved to Beijing and joined Sino Gas & Energy Holding Limited. As Commercial Manager John was responsible for managing relationships with Australian suppliers and key joint venture contacts. He then joined SmartTrans Holdings Limited, an ASX listed company, as Group Financial Controller.

Phone:+61 2 9454 2500
Email:[email protected]

GARETH HILL-LEWIS

PMO MANAGER

GARETH HILL-LEWIS

PMO MANAGER

Gareth operates as a specialist in project delivery. With a background in large scale international commercial development, he brings his contract and development management expertise to negotiate and manage high value engagements. A focus on stakeholder engagement and integration has been the key to delivery of successful projects which have included, turnkey, design, D&C, construct only, remediation, operation and maintenance contracts in the public and private sectors. With a Bachelor of Commerce and Science as well as a Graduate Diploma in Business Management majoring in Project Management he brings the skills and experience working with both suppliers and clients, with all manner of contracts including the AS Contracts Suite, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Contracts and the Australian Government Department of Defense DEQMS suite of contracts.

Phone:1300 11 6732
Email:[email protected]

DAVID BURNS

TECHNICAL BDM - EPOC ENVIRO

DAVID BURNS

TECHNICAL BDM - EPOC ENVIRO

David Burns is the business development specialist for EPOC Enviro providing technical & administration skills in analytical chemistry, compliance and an ability to forge collaborations/ network solutions. David has a qualification in chemistry (B.Sc) and was a founding director/ general manager of LabMark laboratories (1997-2008). Business interests include: chasing opportunities, scaling trial designs with project engineers, mobile laboratories, formalising SAQP supply chains & chemical safety, and applying green chemistry & sustainable engineering to obtain commercial advantages.

Phone:+61 2 9454 2500

JARRYD BANTJES

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

JARRYD BANTJES

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

o Jarryd is the Management Accountant for OPEC Systems, with a specific focus on the manufacturing process within our Enviro division. Joining OPEC Systems in 2021, Jarryd brings over 10 years’ experience in accounting across a range of industries, including financial services, corporate travel management, jewellery manufacture & retail, and mining engineering solutions. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Johannesburg, Jarryd has a keen eye for detail and enjoys stream-lining processes and integrating systems to ultimately improve overall business efficiencies.

Phone:9454 2500
Email:[email protected]

SHANNON BLADES

OPERATIONS MANAGER - ENERGY

SHANNON BLADES

OPERATIONS MANAGER - ENERGY

Shannon has 9 years of experience within OPEC Systems, with roles including Project Integration Specialist in OPEC’s Defence and ENERGY Groups and in her current role as Operations Manager in the ENERGY Group. This experience gives her the confidence to manage the delivery, hand-over, and closeout of a plethora of ongoing scheduled and reactive works. Her key role is as the operations manager for the ENERGY-Repairs and Maintenance Division. Her key skills are leadership, people management, and staff training and development. She has the proven ability to monitor and coordinate scheduled and reactive maintenance works from conception and planning, through to closeout and reporting.

Phone:+614 13 540 207
Email:[email protected]

JOERG ZIEGLER

MANUFACTURING MANAGER

JOERG ZIEGLER

MANUFACTURING MANAGER

Joerg has 20 years of experience in manufacturing in many different sectors and environments. He spent several years with DENSO/Toyota where he learned the LEAN Manufacturing methodology, which he has successfully implemented in many different operational areas. Joerg is the Manufacturing Manager for OPEC’s SAFF Manufacturing. His responsibility is to ensure that Supply Chain, Factory/Facility and Production Management are efficient and provide the safest and highest quality internally and externally. He oversees the manufacturing team that consists of Operations Supervisors, Assembly Technicians, Sub Contractors, Supply Chain/Logistic Operators and all other entities in the SAFF Manufacturing team. Joerg also manages the expansion of SAFF manufacturing in the global market.

Phone:1300 11 6732
Email:[email protected]

BEN MCDONNELL

BRANCH MANAGER WESTERN SYDNEY

BEN MCDONNELL

BRANCH MANAGER WESTERN SYDNEY

Ben is a highly motivated Project Manager /Project Supervisor with a strong educational background in fuel systems engineering, supported by a proven track record and professional work experience. He is a talented professional with an extensive background in Mechanical Engineering, specialising in project coordination and manufacturing processes. He has been working within the petrochemical industry for over 10 years and has completed many successful projects, whilst gaining valuable feedback along the way.

Phone:+61 1300 11 6732

MATT BUXTON

ESTIMATING MANAGER

MATT BUXTON

ESTIMATING MANAGER

Matt is an experienced estimator with 15 years industry experience working in industrial electrical, fuel and water treatment. Matt also brings his experience in bid coordination, drafting and design, electrical design and procurement to his role. He enjoys working in teams and collaborating.

Phone:1300 11 6732
Email:[email protected]

VANESSA SOLOMAN

TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER - COLLEGE

VANESSA SOLOMAN

TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER - COLLEGE

Vanessa is a passionate, highly qualified and determined educator with expertise in senior leadership, management, human resources and compliance within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Vanessa’s strong social conscious and proven track record in compliance, has led her to be naturally attracted to organisations that “give back” and “work with” students to achieve their goals, through various pathways. Throughout Vanessa’s RTO Management career, she has aimed to instill these values within her staff.

Phone:+61 48 4961 881
Email:[email protected]

RUTH KIRKBY

CAREER GUIDANCE MANAGER

RUTH KIRKBY

CAREER GUIDANCE MANAGER

Ruth is a highly motivated teacher with over 35 years’ experience including: Primary, Reading Recovery and English as a Second Language, (ESL), Teaching; Support Teacher Learning Difficulties, (STLD), Executive Teacher, Assistant Principal and District Literacy Consultant. Ruth also possesses extensive experience in the Vocational, Education and Training Sector. In addition to her role as Career Guidance Manager at OPEC College, Ruth has worked as an Education Support Trainer at Australian Pacific Training Coalition in Vanuatu; Leading Teacher and Coordinator for TAFE QLD; and had several senior training roles at Churchill Education. She has also been Coordinator of Certificate III and Certificate IV in Education Support and the pathway to Bachelor of Education at the Australian Catholic University. As a Senior Trainer and RPL Assessor, Ruth has years of experience mapping current skills, knowledge and experience. She is an expert at teasing relevance out of evidence supplied by our students. Ruth is passionate about developing a strong and positive relationship with students, working with their strengths and preferred methods of learning and developing individual training plans to support learners to achieve their best.

Phone:+6142 995 5074
Email:[email protected]

AKHLAQUOR RAHMAN

ENGINEERING MANAGER

AKHLAQUOR RAHMAN

ENGINEERING MANAGER

Akhlaquor Rahman is a Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineer with over 9 years’ experience in design and project engineering in the Private and Defence petrochemical sector. Akhlaquor’s broad experience has developed his ability to efficiently manage a large variety of tasks and planning that goes into completing both major and minor projects. Akhlaquor’s strengths lie in the detailed management of the design and system analysis with a good understanding of the concepts of contract management delivery constraints and value for money. Akhlaquor has worked on many projects focused on planning, technical design, safety, construction, and standard compliance. Akhlaquor has been extraordinarily successful in key roles for Private and Defence projects, including roles as lead design engineer and project engineer for OPEC Systems. Akhlaquor is responsible for the overall planning, execution, and success of engineering projects. Additionally, he is responsible for management of multi-disciplinary design and drafting teams. Akhlaquor is responsible for all design aspects of OPEC Systems’ bulk fuel installations including full automation packages, blending plants and electronic controls. He has worked on various fuel facility design and construction projects and thoroughly familiar with the installation requirements in bulk fuel facilities.

Phone:1300 11 6732
Email:[email protected]

MIKE SKIFFINGTON

OPERATIONS MANAGER - DEFENCE SERVICES

MIKE SKIFFINGTON

OPERATIONS MANAGER - DEFENCE SERVICES

Mike Skiffington is Operations Manager of OPEC Systems – Defence Services. Mike’s career includes 20 years as a civil and military employee of the NZDF predominately working in Ammunition Technician and Explosive Ordnance Disposal roles. Mike has been employed in the commercial UXO Remediation industry since 2008. As such he is experienced in the management of UXO Remediation and assessment projects having managed projects in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

Phone:+64 21 149 4041 (NZ)
Email:[email protected]

ROBERT DYASON

COST CONTROLLER - MAJOR PROJECTS

ROBERT DYASON

COST CONTROLLER - MAJOR PROJECTS

Rob is the Cost Controller for OPEC Systems with a primary focus on our major projects. Holding a degree in Business Administration he brings the skills necessary to ensure our projects minimise cost overruns and remain on budget. He enjoys analysing cost performance and collaborating with our project teams.

Phone:+6144 994 3654
Email:[email protected]

Markets

Marine Equipment Supply

Storage and Maintenance Services

Training

Security Services

Facility Operations

Consulting

PFAS Solutions

Mobile and Field Hospital Systems

Patient Isolation Systems

Decontamination Systems

Medical PPE

Ancillary Services

Training, Maintenance and Support

OPEC College

OUR PEOPLE

Our Directors

Our Senior Management Team

Our Management Team

OFFICE LOCATIONS

INFORMATION