At Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), we believe that progress doesn’t happen by accident – it happens when you bring together the right people, doing things the right way.
This year’s promotions represent more than individual achievements – they are a reflection of the values that shape our culture and future: Truth. Trust. Together. Tomorrow.
These 24 individuals have been recognised not just for their technical expertise and client impact, but for the way they embody our purpose: to make a long-lasting difference for each other, for our clients and for the communities we serve.
We are proud to announce the following promotions, effective April 2025:
Managing Directors
Neil O’Donnell – Managing Director, Christchurch With more than 35 years in the construction industry – including over two decades with RLB – Neil has helped deliver some of the South Island’s most significant public and private developments, including the Christchurch Hospital Redevelopment Programme and the Scott Base project in Antarctica.
Adam Robinson – Managing Director, Western Australia Adam brings over 20 years of experience in cost planning, contract administration and risk management. He led RLB’s team on the award-winning restoration of Perth State Buildings, Western Australia’s largest heritage redevelopment.
Paul Skinner – Managing Director, New South Wales Paul’s promotion recognises his leadership across RLB in New South Wales, where he has helped build long-standing client partnerships and foster regional delivery excellence.
Directors
Andrew Heaps – Director, Auckland Andrew joined RLB via the Scholarship Programme in 2011 and has managed the Hamilton office since 2017. He brings deep experience across multiple sectors and a practical mindset shaped by his work across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Jonathan Ierace – Director, Western Australia Jonathan graduated from RLB in 2008 and has 17 years of experience in cost management, stakeholder engagement and procurement advisory. He has played a key role in major infrastructure, healthcare and education projects, demonstrating expertise in value management, dispute resolution and cost control.
Shane Kelly – Director, Victoria Shane has led projects including the Melbourne Park Redevelopment and Geelong Arts Centre. Known for his collaborative approach and technical depth, he has become a trusted figure in Victoria’s cultural and civic landscape.
Technical Director
James Smith – Technical Director, Queensland James joined RLB in 2016 and brings more than 30 years of global experience. Specialising in infrastructure and contractual leadership, he strengthens our technical capability across Queensland.
Senior Associates
Spiro Blasis – Senior Associate Victoria Spiro has over eight years of experience at RLB and expertise in cost planning and post-contract services across residential developments, commercial office buildings, subdivisions and infrastructure.
Jack Burns – Senior Associate, Victoria Since 2019, Jack has delivered cost consultancy services for infrastructure, commercial, retail and government clients with a strong pre-construction focus.
Bianca Christensen – Senior Associate, Victoria Bianca is a leader in RLB’s education sector, with over 60 school modernisation projects to her name and a reputation for stakeholder engagement and project clarity.
Michelle Claassens – Senior Associate, Auckland Michelle brings over 10 years of international infrastructure experience. Her strategic and technical strengths have elevated RLB’s infrastructure capability in New Zealand.
Tim Healy – Senior Associate, Auckland A former scholarship recipient, Tim has spent nearly two decades delivering complex commercial projects with a collaborative, value-driven approach.
Rowena Maggacis – Senior Associate, Queensland Rowena has worked across some of Queensland’s largest commercial projects, including Queens Wharf and Pacific Fair. Her technical accuracy and professionalism stand out.
Wade Pasfield – Senior Associate, Auckland Wade rejoined RLB in 2024 after working in the UK as a partner at Exigere. He brings 18 years of QS experience, including deep expertise in MEP services.
Michael Rout – Senior Associate, Queensland Michael is a civil infrastructure specialist whose portfolio includes Snowy Hydro 2.0, Inland Rail, and Cross River Rail. His technical insight has shaped nationally significant works.
Senthil Ramanan – Senior Associate, Auckland Senthil is respected for his cost planning, technical precision, and clear communication across all phases of delivery.
Daniel Sokolovich – Senior Associate, Victoria Daniel joined RLB in 2014 and has delivered projects across retail, commercial and residential sectors. He is particularly known for feasibility and post-contract excellence.
Mark Spencer – Senior Associate, Queensland Mark plays a key role in digital project planning and forensic scheduling, contributing to projects like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Brisbane Airport upgrades.
Matthew Thompson – Senior Associate, Victoria Matthew has led infrastructure projects across rail, marine and renewables. His promotion reflects a strong ability to bring clarity to complex technical scopes.
Associates
Charles Canny – Associate, South Australia With a background in architecture and over a decade in cost planning, Charles brings both creativity and precision to high-profile projects across the state.
Snow Chi – Associate, Victoria Snow joined in 2023 and quickly enhanced RLB’s Advisory offering through her work in tax depreciation and asset advisory across multiple sectors.
Matt Evans – Associate, Victoria Matt is known for his contributions to PPP and complex infrastructure projects, including the Frankston Hospital Redevelopment and justice sector developments.
Daniel Ryan – Associate, South Australia Starting as a cadet in 2011, Daniel has built deep experience in defence, infrastructure and high-security projects, underpinned by disciplined leadership.
Jayne Scott – Associate, Victoria Jayne brings international experience across Australia, Qatar and the UK. She contributes a strategic and civic-minded lens to public advisory and delivery work.
Where People Make Progress
At RLB, we are united by a simple belief: People Make Progress. These promotions reflect more than technical achievement – they’re grounded in values that define how we work:
- Truth – striving for excellence and always telling it how it is
- Trust – doing what we say and building lasting partnerships
- Together – supporting one another and collaborating across teams
- Tomorrow – growing sustainably and making a positive impact in our communities
Congratulations to all those recognised. Your leadership strengthens RLB today – and shapes the built environment of tomorrow.
Photo 1. Neil O’Donnell, 2. Adam Robinson, 3. Paul Skinner, 4. Andrew Heaps, 5. Jonathan Ierace, 6. Shane Kelly, 7. James Smith, 8. Spiro Blasis, 9. Jack Burns, 10. Bianca Christensen, 11. Michelle Claassens, 12. Tim Healy, 13. Rowena Maggacis, 14. Wade Pasfield, 15. Michael Rout, 16. Senthil Ramanan, 17. Daniel Sokolovich, 18. Mark Spencer, 19. Matthew Thompson, 20. Charles Canny, 21. Snow Chi, 22. Matt Evans, 23. Daniel Ryan, 24. Jayne Scott.
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