Tonkin + Taylor Australia has appointed four new leaders to head our key technical disciplines. These strategic leadership appointments will further enhance our ability to address complex challenges facing Australia’s infrastructure, coastlines, and environment, while providing clients with deeper technical expertise and more responsive service.
The new Practice Leads bring diverse expertise and proven track records in solving multifaceted engineering and environmental challenges. Their appointment comes as Australia faces increasing demands for resilient infrastructure, sustainable waste management, and climate-adaptive coastal solutions – all areas where Tonkin + Taylor has built significant capabilities.
The newly appointed Practice Leads are:
- Dr. Tom Shand, Practice Lead – Coasts + Water
- Wendy Greatbatch, Practice Lead – Geotechnical + Geosciences
- Colin Dailey, Practice Lead – Pavements
- Donna Shiel, Practice Lead – Waste + Advisory
Their leadership will be instrumental in delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions that help our clients navigate complex challenges and achieve their project goals.
Sze-Fei Peng, General Manager of Tonkin + Taylor Australia, welcomed the new leaders:
“I am excited to work alongside Colin, Donna, Tom, and Wendy in their new roles. These leaders bring exceptional expertise and dedication to their Practice Areas, and I am confident they will drive outstanding results for our clients and teams.”
Colin Dailey
Practice Lead – Pavements
Colin has over 20 years of experience in pavement engineering and has held a variety of technical and leadership roles. Having been with Tonkin + Taylor for over seven years, he previously worked at VicRoads in team leader and managerial positions. Colin is a highly regarded technical expert in pavement engineering, having contributed to the development of state and national guides and standards. He also serves as a Technical Director and Project Director at Tonkin + Taylor.
“In my new role, I’m looking forward to advancing innovative pavement solutions that balance durability with sustainability. Australia’s infrastructure faces unique challenges from climate to usage patterns, and I’m excited to lead a team that’s at the forefront of addressing these issues,” Colin says.
Donna Shiel
Practice Lead – Waste + Advisory
Donna is an Environmental Scientist with over 17 years of experience in the waste sector, having worked in both local and state government organisations. Since joining Tonkin + Taylor in July 2023, she has become a key member of the trans-Tasman waste team, delivering projects in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific. Donna has embraced leadership roles as a Team Leader and Discipline Manager, successfully guiding her team through numerous changes.
“The waste sector is undergoing transformative change as we move toward more circular economies. I’m enthusiastic about leading a team of specialists to collaborate with our clients to navigate these changes while finding opportunities to keep materials in circulation longer, reduce waste and pollution and regenerate nature,” Donna says.
Dr. Tom Shand
Practice Lead – Coasts + Water
Tom has been a Coastal Engineer at Tonkin + Taylor for over 20 years, beginning his career in the Auckland Water Group. He played a pivotal role in establishing the coastal team in both New Zealand and Australia. As a Technical Director and Project Director, Tom has built a strong reputation in the industry and has been instrumental in securing and delivering projects across the Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. His deep connection to Tonkin + Taylor and strong relationships across the Group position him well for this leadership role.
“With over two decades of experience across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, I’ve seen how integrated approaches lead to resilient coastlines. In this role, I’m excited to collaborate across regions, working closely with clients and our talented teams to develop tailored, nature-based solutions that address unique coastal challenges. The future of our coastlines depends on innovative engineering that works with natural processes rather than against them,” Tom says.
Wendy Greatbatch
Practice Lead – Geotechnical + Geosciences
Wendy brings 12 years of consulting experience as an engineering geologist and has been a team leader at Tonkin + Taylor for three years. She has a strong track record in leading and managing teams, demonstrating dedication and commitment to team success. Wendy is passionate about strengthening company culture and keeping her team invested in shared goals, with a focus on empowerment and collaboration.
“I am excited to be at the helm of such a collaborative and focused team of technical experts. Our team thrives when we are involved in technically challenging work and are tasked with providing innovative solutions for our clients. By combining our core service offerings of geotechnical engineering and contaminated land into one high performing team, we can provide value, resilience and efficiency to ensure project success,” Wendy says.
