Mr David Saxelby

Biography

David Saxelby was appointed to the role of Managing Director at Thiess in February 2007. He is responsible for leading and developing one of Australasia’s largest integrated mining, construction and services contracting organisations. Thiess currently has more than $15 billion of work in hand and has diverse operations across Australia, and in New Zealand, Indonesia, India and the United Arab Emirates.

David joined Thiess as General Manager NSW/ACT in 1993, and was instrumental in growing the business unit’s annual revenue from $100 million in 1993 to almost $750 million in 1997. In December 2000, he became Executive General Manager Southern Region and had the Victorian, South Australian, Tasmanian and New Zealand operations added to his portfolio. Western Australia followed four years later in a new position as Chief Executive – Australian Operations, which was formed to run the Australian business.

With David as Managing Director, Thiess has continued in its success by winning the largest Public Private Partnership infrastructure project in Australia – Brisbane’s $4.8 billion Airport Link, and the $3.5 billion Victorian Desalination Project, which is the largest infrastructure project in the State’s history. Under his direction, the company continues to expand and diversify its operations into Asia and other markets.

With Thiess celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009, David is ensuring that the company builds on its achievements and focuses on the future and the new generation of construction challenges.

A champion of Thiess’ culture of innovation and best practice, David encourages excellence in occupational health and safety, environmental, community, workplace relations and training initiatives.

David is a highly motivated, dynamic leader with a genuine commitment to building and maintaining long-term, collaborative relationships. His technical expertise and familiarity with high-level commercial, industrial and contractual negotiations have cemented his position as one of the industry’s most respected senior executives.

David is also a member of the Boards of the Minerals Council of Australia and Australian Constructors Association.