Wayne Peel – Regional Director Energy & Resources, Stantec
Wayne always knew he would be an engineer. His love of understanding how things work, solving problems and creating solutions was a perfect fit to begin a career in engineering. But he soon realised it was the people rather than the technical aspects that he was drawn to.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start engineering consultancy, Engenium, with his business partners.
Engenium was acquired by engineering firm Stantec in May last year. “Professionally, I’d say one of the greatest achievements is building Engenium into a national company and then being acquired by Stantec,” Wayne said.
He now heads up Stantec’s Energy and Resources business in Australia.
“Personally, it’s been really rewarding to help develop and mentor a range of individuals who are making a mark in Australia,” he said. “We have some great talent here.”
He enjoys seeing projects start as greenfield ideas that develop into complete operating facilities that drive employment and the economy.
“One of my favourite projects is the work we are doing in helping our mining clients transition to renewable energy to power their operations,” he said. “We are working with TransAlta and BHP to bring their first solar project into operation in the goldfields. It’s a first for both BHP and TransAlta which is fantastic.”
Wayne has attended many of Energy Club WA’s events over the past 20 years and recently became a member six months ago. “It is a great forum to meet others and hear what they are doing in the industry including energy producers, consultants, vendors and policy makers,” Wayne said.
Learning and creativity are what keeps him motivated. “I tend to push myself into being uncomfortable,” he said. “We only grow when we are uncomfortable and it’s amazing what we can achieve when we do it.”
He is on the board of Entrepreneurs Organisation in WA and previously sat on the board of 100 Women and has a keen interest in business, history, science, and technology.
When not working, he likes experiencing the culture and food of other countries, which he looks forward to doing again later this year. He also enjoys golf, guitar, cooking, and spending time with his family.