Downer CEO to hand over reins to COO

DOWNER CEO TO HAND OVER REINS TO COO

Downer EDI Limited (Downer) today announced that after an extensive succession process, Peter Tompkins (currently Downer’s Chief Operating Officer) will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Downer Group following the retirement of Grant Fenn in February 2023.

Downer’s Chairman, Mr Mark Chellew, thanked Mr Fenn for his significant contribution to the company as CEO over the past twelve and a half years. “Grant has been the driving force in reshaping this business. He has provided strong leadership during often difficult times. His commitment to our customers, our people and our shareholders has been unwavering. We wish Grant the very best for his future endeavours,” Mr Chellew said.

Mr Fenn said that it has been an honour to serve as CEO of the Downer Group. “I leave the business in good hands and look forward to watching it thrive in the transition to a low carbon economy. There are few businesses with the opportunities that Downer has ahead of it,” Mr Fenn said.

Following his retirement in February 2023, Mr Fenn will remain available through calendar 2023 to assist with the transition.

Mr Chellew said Peter Tompkins comes to the role of Downer CEO with deep knowledge of the company’s culture, its strategy, markets and customers. “Peter is an exceptional leader and candidate to take on the CEO role. He has extensive and detailed experience across Downer’s operations, risk management and corporate functions. It is pleasing to have appointed an internal successor after an extensive external and internal process which demonstrates the talent within the leadership team."

Mr Tompkins joined Downer in 2008 and was appointed Group General Counsel in 2011. After the acquisition of Spotless in 2017, he was appointed Project Director for the Royal Adelaide Hospital PPP and in 2018 was appointed CEO and Managing Director of Spotless Group Holdings Ltd (listed on the ASX) leading the integration of Spotless into Downer. In 2021, Peter was appointed Chief Operating Officer for the Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Tompkins said Downer is a leader in each of its key markets. “I am proud and excited to have been given the opportunity to lead this iconic business. Downer is a great company with exceptional people who are passionate about what we do. My focus will be on improving project performance, profit margins and extracting value for shareholders as highlighted in the Chairman’s 2022 AGM address,” Mr Tompkins said.

Mr Tompkins’ biography and details of his remuneration package are included in the attachment


For further information please contact:
Media: Mitchell Dale, Group Manager Corporate Affairs +61 448 362 198
Investors: Adam Halmarick, Group Head of Investor Relations +61 413 437 487

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Announcement PDF