Swapping drumsticks for the boardroom

Time flies when you're having fun—and for Al, Executive General Manager for M&IS, the past decade at Monadelphous has been just that.

"I feel extremely privileged. This is easily the longest stint in my working career, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity," Al said.  

Despite hitting the 10-year milestone, he reckons he’s still got a long way to go compared to the average tenure of the M&IS extended leadership team.

"Ten years sounds like a lot, but it’s gone so fast!"

“I’m probably still below the average tenure of M&IS’s extended leadership team!”

Al’s journey with Monadelphous began in January 2015 when he stepped into the role of General Manager Strategy and Innovation.

Fast forward to today, and he’s leading the division as Executive General Manager. For him, the best part of the job?

"The people—and the opportunity to help steer the business for long-term success,” he said.

Of all the memories made here, one experience stands out—negotiating a major deal while stranded in Santiago during a citywide lockdown.

"I could hear the gunfire and sirens, see the smoke, and I was glued to the TV using Google Translate to figure out what was happening!" he said.

All while trying to secure a final investment decision and partaking in a board meeting.

Before Monos’, Al’s career had taken him across the globe, from Indonesia to Dubai and Vietnam, before returning to Australia to take on leadership roles in Queensland and Perth.

After several years with another organisation, he eventually "saw the light" and joined Monadelphous.

Away from the office, Al has an adventurous side. Growing up, he balanced playing baseball with drumming in a band called Electric Eyes—although he admits, "I was a slightly better baseballer than musician."

These days, he’s traded drumsticks for ski poles, enjoying powder and backcountry skiing in Japan and competing in triathlons to stay fit. At home, his three kids—aged eight, 16, and 19—keep him and his wife, Leah, very busy.

Looking back on his time at Monadelphous, Al expressed gratitude to those who have supported him along the way.

"A big thank you to Zoran for taking a chance on me—he essentially created a role for me," he said.

And, of course, he gave a well-deserved shout-out to his M&IS team and the corporate team for their ongoing support.