I was born in Adelaide, South Australia and graduated from Adelaide University in 1980 as a Chemical Engineer. Over the past 40 years, I have worked with a number of different industries and can relate to both the technical and commercial sales issues. I am widely travelled and understand different cultures and have a reputation for developing and growing new business.
From 1980 to 1982, I worked with BHP at their Whyalla Steelworks as a Process Engineer. From 1982 to 1995, I worked with Mobil Oil in various sales and technical roles. I led a national transport sales team and introduced a number of synthetic lubricants into Australia. From 1995 to 1998, I was Managing Director for BP Chemicals and led a team including a manufacturing operation. We sold additives to the fuel and lubricants industry. Turnover was in excess of $15mill per annum.
From 1999 to 2015, I worked with Kraton Polymers as their Business Manager for Australia and New Zealand. I built up expertise into marketing and selling into the packaging and road construction industries and my role broadened to assist colleagues throughout Asia Pacific. I presented at numerous seminars and Conferences.
In 2015 , I started an independent chemical import and distribution business specialising in unique polymers which add value. This business has enjoyed rapid growth as I continue to assist and serve valued customers.
In 2008, I also completed a Graduate Diploma of Education from Monash University specialising in mathematics and chemistry. I have tutored a number of students from year 8 through to VCE and teach at some of Victoria's leading secondary schools and for many years worked with Science Victoria as their Events Coordinator helping to run their annual Science Teachers Conferences. Now helping VicPhysics to run their annual Conference.
My interests include travelling, sports and alternative variety wines. I am an amateur winemaker and currently sit on both the Eltham and Frankston Amateur Winemakers' Guild committees.