Qualifications

• Master of Applied Finance, The University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (Hons), Monash University
• Bachelor of Science, Monash University
• Charter Professional Engineer, Institution of Engineers Australia
• Lead Auditor in Quality Management Systems, SAI Global

Asset management

Michael has significant experience in both writing and providing critical review of business cases and asset management strategies. His involvement has included detailed analysis of data to identify problems and then develop efficient long term strategies that consider the life cycle of the asset. He has undertaken asset management in line with the new asset management standard (ISO 55000) and also to comply with industry regulations. He has built financial models to analyse options and conduct sensitivity testing to ensure the best strategy was selected.

Asset management is broad area and requires knowledge of information systems and processes that differ for each company and must be learned quickly. Michael can apply his knowledge, experience and critical evaluation skills to help ensure the board makes efficient and prudent long term strategic decisions.

Financial modelling and analysis

Michael has worked on very high value due diligence and financial modelling projects including renewable electricity generation, rail assets and the privatisation of TransGrid. These roles have involved working under high pressure and to tight deadlines as part of a multi-disciplinary team, managing changing inputs from multiple sources and responding to client requests for detailed analysis. The projects involved building reliable discounted cash flow models and running a number of sensitivity, scenario and Monte Carlo simulations to identify the preferred option.

Regulation

Michael has worked within the regulated electricity industry across Australia and New Zealand, which has comprised of three different regulatory frameworks plus additional jurisdictional requirements. As a result, he has gained experience in quickly understanding different regulatory requirements and how to apply them in practice. His range of roles have included asset management within a regulatory framework, assisting electricity distribution businesses prepare information for submission to their regulator, and working for the regulator to assess documents against the requirements of the regulation.

Risk assessment

Michael has had experience in risk analysis and mitigation in a variety of industries including electricity, mining and industrial safety. Through experience and informal training, he has developed a strong understanding of the principles of risk and application in both a qualitative and quantitative manner in line with risk standards. He has experience in risk assessments through both workshops with clients and as an individual.

While risk analysis is part of most projects, in 2018 Michael led a risk review for Aurora Energy in New Zealand to assess their network following safety and reliability concerns raised by the regulator. The review was reported in this newspaper article.

Audit

The qualification of Lead Auditor in Quality Management Systems through SAI Global covers audit of non-financial information. For a number of years, Michael provided independent audit services for non-financial information to electricity distribution businesses, predominately auditing network performance information that applies to financial incentive schemes.

Skills he has developed though auditing, that will be beneficial as a company director, include interviewing staff through critical questioning, understanding the systems and sources of data to assess the data integrity, reporting and presenting to executive groups and identifying and resolving issues.

Power Systems Engineering

Michael has designed electricity assets including substations, power generation systems and electrical supplies for industrial plant. His roles have included feasibility studies, design, on-site engineering and problem resolution. His level of responsibility increased over the course of his engineering design career. He demonstrated his ability to work with a diverse range of people and identify and resolve problems.