SYSTRA ANZ bolsters cyber expertise

Alexis is a key hire for our STS team as we look to expand our cybersecurity capabilities, strengthening our expertise in Governance, Risk and Assurance.

We are thrilled to have Alexis join our team. At a time when the cybersecurity space is deepening in its importance, Alexis adds vital leadership and a specialty skillset.

These skills will be particularly beneficial for our clients as they look to comply with the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act – a federal government initiative to improve the preparedness and resilience of critical infrastructure assets in Australia.

Michelle Bedson, Director – Program Service Delivery – Federal

As our subject matter expert, Alexis will provide clients with the knowledge and skills they need to ensure they are set up for success.

Alexis is an accomplished project management professional with 15 plus years’ experience spanning multiple government departments, IT, education, and engineering consultancies. With her main focus in achieving cyberworthiness for systems and capabilities, Alexis attributes a unique blend of technical expertise, problem solving, and client service to her success in her field of expertise.

In 2022, Alexis completed a Lead Auditor ISO 27001 certification and has also completed a Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity. Alexis will be based in our Melbourne office.

To learn more about our capabilities in in cybersecurity please click here.

It is a day that provides us all a chance to remember, reflect and acknowledge those who have served for our country and in particular the contributions of those in our team who are returned service personnel. We are privileged to have so many within our team who have sacrificed so much.

We are also incredibly honored to collaborate directly with clients in the defense industry, where our collective efforts serve to enhance communities across Australia and New Zealand.

For Trevor Garnett, Director – Program Service Delivery in our Security and Technology Solutions team, ANZAC Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by his family in both World Wars.

“For me, ANZAC Day is a chance to remember and acknowledge those who have served to protect our freedoms and way of life. To celebrate their courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.

“In particular, I remember the service of my Dad in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) during WWII where he served as a pilot with Bomber Command and Special Operations Command.

“He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross military medal. During times of service, he flew four engine bombers on various missions and conducted supply drops and agent insertion. It took an enormous amount of courage and would often see his aircraft coming home with Flak damage. I can only imagine what must have gone through the crews’ minds during such flight’s night after night. ANZAC Day provides an opportunity to reflect and give thanks.”

Our Commitment to Supporting Veterans and their Families

SYSTRA ANZ is proud to be a Pledge Partner of Soldier On Australia. Soldier On is a not-for-profit organisation delivering holistic support services that enable current and former Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families, to lead meaningful civilian lives. Only last month, the SYSTRA ANZ raised over $9,000 as part of Soldier On’s March On initiative with all funds going directly to the services helping to prevent veteran suicide.

You can help us support March On by clicking here.

In addition to our support for Soldier On, all of our ADF reservist employees have access to leave to undertake service.

With over 20 years’ experience, Franck joins the business with deep expertise in financial leadership, management, and analysis. He brings transferrable knowledge in defence, cybersecurity, transport, and infrastructure projects with a demonstrated ability to deliver sound business strategy coupled with financial and operational success.

“We are lucky that we found Franck to support our business gear up for the next iteration in our growth and transformation. It was the perfect fit, with Franck bringing the desired corporate skills and big business background that we needed and an even happier coincidence to find he was a French national. Franck will be responsible for implementing new systems to set us up for long-term success and further expansions via acquisitions.”

Alana Newbrook, Chief Executive Officer, SYSTRA ANZ

Joining SYSTRA ANZ after nearly two decades with Thales, Franck’s expertise and understanding of project management, funds management, corporate finance, operations, and public contract negotiations will help the team grow whilst managing our productivity and delivering the best outcomes to clients.

“I’m excited to join a company that has such lofty ambitions. While we are quite young in Australia, we have had great success locally and bring a global reputation as the signature team for mobility projects.

I look forward to working with Alana, the Leadership Team and the finance group to ensure we hit our key targets and dominate the mass transit and rail market here, like we do abroad.”

Franck Leriche, Chief Financial Officer, SYSTRA ANZ

Originally from Paris, Franck has lived in Australia since 2004. He holds a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance & Strategy, and recently graduated from AICD. Franck is based in our head office in Sydney at Level 15, Chifley Tower Sydney.

Hit below to learn more about Franck.

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“Joining SYSTRA was a big step for Bamser. The last year has been a real game changer as we expand our offerings and ability to bring global expertise to our local clients” commented Ben Crosby, Executive Director.

Jon Daley, EGM Infrastructure said “The synergy and complementary service offerings have provided a real benefit to both sides, positioning SYSTRA as a serious player both in ANZ and globally. It’s been fantastic working with our tunnelling design colleagues at SYSTRA India, SWS in Italy and Subterra in Spain and our people have enjoyed being part of a global tunnelling capability network.”

SYSTRA Bamser began sharing offices from day 1 in Melbourne, which was a real success for integration. Followed soon after by a merge into our Chifley Tower Sydney Head Office and finished  a few weeks ago coming together in a whole new office space in Ann Street Brisbane. The new Brisbane office is now suitably sized to soon welcome our RSA colleagues who will join the SYSTRA family imminently.

Alana Newbrook, CEO, SYSTRA ANZ said “It has been a big year for all of us as we have exponentially grown. What has been most rewarding to see is the multi-disciplinary teams working alongside each other and pitching for and delivering work that 1 year earlier, we wouldn’t have been invited to participate in. This extension of our capability and buzz in the office as we win new work makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Tim Brown, Executive Director added “Being physically located together across ANZ has resulted in a number of wins for both staff and clients. The ability to bounce ideas off each other and to bring not only an expanded remit of local experience, but global best practice to the ANZ market has been a real step change. We cant wait to see what year 2 has in store!”

After commencing with SYSTRA in 2014 at the group’s headquarters in Paris, Romain has spent the last three years in Hong Kong, the largest of our offices in Asia.

With 10+ years’ experience, Romain brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to add to our growing ANZ team. He is a certified BREEAM Infrastructure Assessor – one of the world’s leading science-based sustainability assessment methods that is used to masterplan projects, infrastructure, and buildings. He is also aiming to become accredited by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

Romain’s world class skills and experience align perfectly to where the industry and business are headed. As the world pursues net zero targets, ensuring our transport networks become more sustainable is going to be a priority for our clients and communities.

“As a business, we are dedicated to driving meaningful change in relation to the role of public transport in reducing carbon and promoting sustainability, health, and wellness benefits. Romain will assist us as we look to leverage international best practice, utilising his experience from projects such as HS2.

Chris Hurst, Executive General Manager – Transport Consultancy, SYSTRA ANZ

Although Romain has been based in Hong Kong, he is well known to many of our clients locally, having already worked on the Waitemata Harbour Crossing in Auckland.

I’m really excited to relocate to Australia and embark on a new challenge. Having a lasting impact on the sustainability of our cities and regions is one of the reasons why I studied engineering. I am thrilled to be focusing on that, bringing what I have learned to date and taking on new parameters pertaining to the ANZ market. There is a strong commitment and adherence to these values in the region with local clients looking for and seeking innovative and bold ideas.

“One of my core beliefs is that, just like value for money, we should be focusing on the value for carbon. I am looking forward to working with our clients and the rest of the business to ensure we are creating solutions that are sustainable and that also comply with our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.

Romain Dufros

Since starting his career, Romain has worked on a variety of city-shaping projects. He has developed brownfield transport plans in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe and megaprojects in the Middle East. More recently, thanks to his time in Asia he has worked heavily in sustainable compact development and urbanism where he has been able to broaden his understanding to the range of possibilities that exist, particularly important as the ANZ region looks to densify.

He adds, “The varied nature of these projects has helped me to learn about the intricacies of the local markets. Whatever the solution, it needs to make sense, have a positive impact on our clients, the community, and their environment.”

More about ESG at SYSTRA

At SYSTRA ANZ, we believe our role extends far beyond designing and engineering excellent infrastructure solutions, it’s also about ensuring a better, more sustainable, and resilient future.

A commitment to ESG resonates deeply with our values and aspirations of where we want to go as an organisation. In collaboration with our people, partners, and clients; we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future that leaves the communities we operate in better off than before. We also hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and seek diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all we do.

To learn more about our commitments, please click here.

bSA is part of the international BuildingSMART programme that has representation across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Far East. They are a leading association whose vision is to have a building and construction industry that collaboratively shares and maintains information about facilities and infrastructure in a manner that optimises the quality and economy of regulatory approval, design, construction and operation of the built environment.

“I am excited to be on the board, collaborating with likeminded professionals about a cause I am deeply passionate about. I’ve been working within the digital engineering and innovation space for the past three decades and genuinely want to help advance the purpose of bSA because I see the value open BIM can bring.”

Sandra Lang, Director – Digital Engineering

bSA is advancing the industry by developing standards, tools and training to drive the adoption of openBIM – sharable project information that supports seamless collaboration for all project participants. It is helping to make building and infrastructure cheaper, greener, and more efficient, reducing risk and waste.

As part of her role on the working board, Sandra will provide her years of experience and leadership to help define initiatives, working groups around certain topics, training programs and events. In 2023, she was part of a working group and worked with existing board members on the development of an Asset Operations Handover Framework a project defining a standardised, but flexible, modular framework for documenting handover requirements for all facilities.

Sandra will be part of the BuildingSMART Australasia board for a period of 12-months ending in late 2024. She holds a Masters in global BIM Management with a Master Thesis that had a focus on openBIM management.

The elected Board is comprised of senior leaders from across the infrastructure sector and is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the Association.

This in an exciting time to join the IAQ board. They play an important role in strengthening the partnerships between public and private sectors needed to deliver the record levels of investment in Queensland. Leading up to and beyond the 2032 Olympics as we continue to provide the critical infrastructure needed for our rapidly growing State this partnership is going to be important.

I look forward to collaborating with a group of diverse and yet like-minded professionals helping to create the best places in Queensland for our communities to succeed.”

Chris Hurst, Executive General Manager – Major Projects, SYSTRA ANZ

With over two-decades of experience and leading SYSTRA’s team delivering major projects across Australia and New Zealand as well as being a member of the SYSTRA’s Global Management Team, Chris will be able to provide insights into some of the most significant transport projects happening in Australia and abroad.

He adds, “Effectively delivering our existing and upcoming pipeline of projects will pave the way for Queenslanders to move far more seamlessly around their communities for many years to come. Having been on the inside of these projects, I can offer the IAQ on the ground expertise and knowledge that will help guide future decisions.”

About IAQ

The Infrastructure Association of Queensland Inc (IAQ) is the peak body representing the infrastructure industry in Queensland – we were formed in 1994 to foster private sector investment in infrastructure and provide a deeper understanding between the public and private sectors. We are an independent, evidence based, non partisan association influencing better outcomes for our members with timely engagement across policy issues. We work hard to create pathways to deliver on the economic enabling infrastructure the State needs to build a thriving future for Queenslanders.

The inaugural award was announced at last weeks No-Dig Down Under event and aims to honour a woman who plays a leading role within the Australian trenchless technology industry. It recognises someone who goes above and beyond their role, strives for excellence, as well as someone who actively advocates for other women within the industry.

Jon Daley, Executive General Manager – Tunnels, says, “We are so proud of Andrea for winning this award. Since starting with SYSTRA, she has always displayed a dedication to innovation, leadership, and an unwavering passion for trenchless technologies and tunnelling. She is very deserving.”

Andrea says, “I am incredibly grateful for the recognition. As a female leader, I have always encouraged and supported others in the industry, mentoring the next generation and developing great relationships. I am extremely fortunate to have always been surrounded by great teams of strong men and women, and to always have the support of my family.”

During last week’s event, Andrea explored project and industry experiences through the lens of women in the trenchless industry, including a discussion of positive outcomes associated with diversity.

“No Dig is the preeminent event for our industry”, says Andrea. She adds, “Being able to share my insights as an advocate for all women across a diverse range of roles in our industry was a great opportunity. Along with my award, hopefully it helps to make a difference. I would love to see more women in all roles in the industry, and particularly in leadership.”

About Andrea

With over two decades experience, Andrea specialises in underground infrastructure projects spanning large-diameter tunnels, culvert jacking, pipe jacking, micro-tunnelling, and auger-boring. Andrea has successfully navigated all project phases, including conception, completion, and various delivery modes like construct-only, design and construct, and fast-tracked BOOT projects, achieving substantial cost savings. Her exceptional stakeholder management and advocacy for the industry, including women’s participation, have fostered enduring relationships with industry stakeholders and specialists.

To learn more about our expertise in Trenchless Technologies, please click here.

Transferring from SYSTRA Brazil, Tereza will bolster our Transport Planning and Sustainability division bringing key skills in sustainability, E-Buses and Bus Rapid Transit. 

Guillaume Paix, ANZ Transport Planning Lead says, “We’re thrilled to have Tereza join us. She exemplifies SYSTRA’s global reach and the power of our connected teams value.”  

He adds, “As we look to grow our presence in the key markets of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand, our clients will benefit from her background in both public and private sectors. She brings to the team a key focus on transport demand studies and expertise in assessing the socio-economic viability of transportation projects.” 

“I’ve wanted to move abroad for a few years now and when the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands. The ease with which the transfer happened is testament to SYSTRA’s global mobility and commitment to connecting teams.” 

Tereza Barros, Senior Consultant – Transport and Sustainability

Speaking of the opportunity, Tereza explains, “I am extremely passionate about sustainability and the role public transport can play in achieving net zero. I am a firm believer that transportation is more than just urban mobility, it can be an agent for social transformation.  

“Coming from Brazil, I know this to be the case. In a region dominated by bus, I can bring unique experiences to our clients in Australia. Equally, I’m excited to learn more about the Active Transport sector and to develop my skills in data science.”  

Global Experience provides unique insight

Transport Planning in Australia is at a critical junction in time as we transition away from the idea of moving vehicles to moving people.

“We can keep adding lanes of traffic to our streets or we can think about mobility differently. Tereza will provide terrific insight into how other regions have adapted to new ways of thinking. We’re particularly excited about her experience in Bus Rapid Transit, and E-Buses, both of which will become more and more common in Australia.” 

Guillaume Paix

To improve the liveability and sustainability of our communities, active transport modes, and Electric buses are set to change the way people move.  

“As data comes more freely available, new technology solutions are helping planners to make the best possible solutions and will assist us in embedding sustainable mobility options for the community to use,” says Tereza.  

She adds, “Our team have developed many solutions that enable this modal shift. The Victorious Tool (formerly the Bus Disruption Tool) helped streamline disruption planning for a key client in Victoria. We also have our globally renowned CYCLOPS tool which is using open-source data to improve cycling safety and connectivity in our cities.” 

Hands on Experience Reinforces Beliefs

In 2022, Tereza participated to SYSTRA’s Bridges to Prosperity project in Rwanda, a hands-on experience reinforcing her belief in transportation as a positive driver of societal change, aligning perfectly with her view that engineering can make a meaningful difference.

Tereza along with nine others spent two weeks helping to build an 80-metre pedestrian bridge in Mushishiro in Muhanga County.

For more information on our Transport Planning services, please click below.