Comprising subject matter experts with diverse disciplines and backgrounds, the new recruits will support us in meeting the ongoing demand across the sector for several projects already engaged with.
Understanding clients and communities
With more than 20 years of experience at WSP, Naomi Cavanagh is stepping into the new role of Key Account Manager, responsible for rail and working with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland’s Rail Aurizon and Pacific National.
Naomi says “I’m looking forward to bringing my relationship management experience to the role. I am excited to work with our teams and clients on some the tougher project issues facing us in this economic climate.”
The growth of the rail team will see a continued focus on delivering future ready outcomes to our clients. To help guide and educate the team, John Paff has been appointed as Technical Executive, Rail.
John’s priority will be understanding where the opportunities lie and working to provide solutions that align with the client’s goals.
The former Lead Track Engineer with the Assets Standards Authority for Transport for NSW says “I see the opportunity for the team to better understand the cost of ownership for our clients. Rather than just providing a solution that meets their needs today, we’re bringing value to the total life of the asset”.
Will Trevor, who is stepping into the role of Major Projects Executive, agrees.
“The big challenge for us as engineers is to look at the full project life cycle; being able to meet the ever-changing needs of communities and ensuring that the optimisation of railway assets are achieved for our clients.”
With nearly 10 years of experience at WSP and over 20 years in the Rail industry, Will’s priority will be applying his varied experience and knowledge to the complex portfolio of projects WSP is pursuing and delivering across Australia.
Delivering Future Ready projects
Bringing with her a passion for people, sustainable mobility, and technology, Yuyu Zhang has been appointed as Technical Executive, Strategic Rail Planning.
Working across rail, planning and mobility, and advisory groups, Yuyu will broaden our front-end strategic rail planning capabilities and will be responsible for technical leadership, project delivery and pursuits of the upfront strategic rail planning and technical advisory opportunities nationally.
Yuyu says, “We have diverse talents and capabilities in different areas of the business; my role is to bring all strategic rail planning capabilities together nationally to better serve our clients. The purpose is to plan rail schemes as part of integrated transport networks and ultimately deliver the optimal door-to-door travel experience to all transport customers, enabling land use uplifts and economic development.”
Bringing a fresh perspective to the longevity and maintainability of our rail projects, WSP welcomes Emma Winstanley as Technical Executive.
In this national role, Emma will ensure rail designs are fit for purpose while providing innovative solutions to deliver projects that are efficiently built and maintained.
She says, “A challenge we see in the changing global logistics market is procuring for our designs and being aware of the turnaround times for materials. The same can be said for adjusting assets in the future; this needs to be done with minimal effort”.
Technology focused rail assets
WSP’s work at the forefront of the rail industry has seen our future-focused projects provide innovative and technology driven outcomes for our clients.
With a wealth of experience in the UK private sector, Kim Irvine joins WSP as Senior Principal Systems & Assurance Engineer.
In this role, Kim will support the national team in delivering crucial systems engineering and assurance on projects, as well as supporting teams to continue to build on WSP’s capability.
She says, “There are opportunities to further utilise technology and realise efficiencies. We’re bringing solutions to challenges by understanding what the next 20 years look like – and delivering future ready quality projects that are resilient not just for today, but well into the future.”
Aleksandra Debowska also joins WSP as Rail Digital Engineering Lead and brings more than 20 years’ experience gained locally and internationally across architecture, digital engineering and BIM management. Focusing on digital deliverables for our clients, Aleksandra is looking forward to helping our clients realise the benefits of technology in the projects we deliver.
Looking ahead
Expressing her excitement at the expansion of the team, Sam McWilliam, WSP’s National Executive of Rail says, “It is great to see such a large number of new senior rail and infrastructure experts joining and re-joining our team. The new additions bring skills and expertise in key areas of focus, including rail design and delivery, asset management, digital delivery and transformation together with strategic rail planning.
“As we gear up to deliver some of the most exciting rail projects across the country including Fast Rail, the Southern Program Alliance, Inland Rail, Suburban Rail Loop, Melbourne Airport Rail link, Armadale Level Crossing Removal, Swan River Crossing, City Rail Loop (New Zealand) and the Brisbane to Toowoomba business case, we will continue to grow our team across a variety of rail disciplines.”
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