Pavements and Lighting Forum 2025

Todd Chapman is a respected professional who operates at the senior levels of the aviation industry. As the principal of Leading Edge Management Consulting, he partners with airlines, airports, and other aviation organisations to drive genuine transformation. This may be through strategic resets, leadership development, finding efficiency, bringing cultural improvement or finding sustainable growth.

What sets Todd and the Leading Edge approach apart is a deep commitment to people. His work is grounded in genuine engagement, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also embedded within the organisation. His goal is to leave a lasting legacy—building leadership capability and fostering a culture that continues to thrive long after his involvement.

Loretta is an Airfield Engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force, joining in 2015. Loretta’s Defence career has spanned a wide variety of roles including serving overseas as a Project Officer in the Middle East, Base Airfield Engineer overseeing the critical northern airfields at Townsville and Scherger, and most recently as an Aviation Safety Assurance Officer at the Defence Aviation Safety Authority. This year Loretta is studying a Masters of Science by Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, as part of the Airport Pavement Research Program.

Luca is a civil engineer with over 15 years’ experience in road and aviation pavements engineering worldwide. He has introduced many international best practices in the pavement industry and asset management, and is contributing to the digital transformation of pavement engineering in Australia.

Sean Jamieson is the Research Coordinator of the Airport Pavement Research Program at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Prior to joining the university, Sean worked in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as an Airfield Engineering Officer, where he was responsible for providing aircraft pavement policy and advice for Defence’s sealed airfields, and pavement and spatial assessment of non-certified airfields for RAAF operations. Sean holds a research Masters in pavement engineering, and is currently undertaking a PhD in rigid aircraft pavements.

Jess Westthorp is an experienced civil engineer with over 10 years of expertise in the Planning and Infrastructure Team at Adelaide Airport. Her role as Airport Engineer included overseeing major airside and landside civil projects, as well as capital planning, design, and pavement asset maintenance. Jess transitioned from her role as Airport Engineer to managing the Main Runway and Taxiways Overlay Project, which was completed in mid-2024. Currently, Jess works as a Senior Project Manager delivering various airside projects.

Lloyd Collings is a Senior Civil Engineer in Beca’s Airports team, with 8 years experience in the planning, design and construction of airfield infrastructure. Lloyd played a leading role in managing and delivering the design for Adelaide Airport’s Main Runway and Taxiways Overlay Project, from inception of the design phase through until completion of construction.

Azeem Remtulla is a leading expert in polymer-modified bitumen and emulsion technologies, with over four decades of experience in the industry. He spent 34 years with SAMI Bitumen Technologies, where he was a founding member and served as Executive Director and General Manager. Over the past six years, he has continued to contribute to the field through his consultancy, Bitumen Solutions Pty Ltd, advising on bituminous technologies with a focus on recycled materials and sustainable, low-energy alternatives. Azeem has served on various Austroads and industry committees and is a recipient of the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association National Industry Leadership Award.

Jonathon is a Civil Engineer with more than 6 years extensive experience in both Defence and Commercial Airport projects across Australia. Heavily involved on complex multi-disciplinary airfield projects and also within Defence airfield maintenance programs. Jonathon’s focus areas are Engineering Design and Design Management, Project Management and Contract Administration.

Ivan Mihaljevic heads a boutique pavement engineering consultancy established in 2000. With 32 years of experience, the focus of our work is to engineer solutions which satisfy work scope, provide cost benefit to stakeholders and provide suitable serviceability during the design life. In satisfying these goals both solid engineering and a practical approach is used in assessment, design and implementation. Our experience has been gained within all Australian states and territories and within Asia and the Middle East. This experience is used in the deliberation of our work. This presentation details practical aspects of runway surface friction management, which can be used in part to plan runway maintenance and resurfacing works.

My name is Gadel Baimukhametov, and I am a PhD student at the University of the Sunshine Coast. My research focuses on runway skid resistance, including its assessment, enhancement, and the potential development of more effective skid resistance management systems. Before this, I spent five years working on a pavement wear resistance project in Kazan, Russia. I hold a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in asphalt pavements and have completed four years of postgraduate coursework in theoretical mechanics in Kazan.

A senior executive of more than 30 years across aviation, construction and retail, Simon Hickey leads the team developing the business and infrastructure for Sydney’s new airport, Western Sydney International.

With a focus on transformational customer experience and big data, Simon approaches the once-in-a-generation challenge of building a greenfield airport determined to set a new benchmark for passengers, airlines and air cargo operators, and inspired by the project’s purpose as the catalyst for socioeconomic uplift for the people of Western Sydney.

As former chief executive of Qantas International and Freight, Simon led the return to profitability of this global employer of almost 9,000, establishing new network alliances, improving aircraft utilisation and increasing customer advocacy for the flagship Australian brand.

Bringing together customer experience and data analytics to drive strategies based on human and data centric insights, Simon’s leadership transformed Qantas’ loyalty program from its origins of 20 people in direct marketing to a separate, independent business that is now valued at over $3 billion.

Simon was drawn to the proposition of leading Western Sydney Airport because of the project’s unique opportunity to drive meaningful socioeconomic change in Western Sydney and in doing so, improve quality of life for the people who call the region home.

Kanjana Yindee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Science and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Thailand. Since 1995, she has been working with TIPCO Asphalt Company (Colas Asia) in various capacities, including bituminous materials production, Quality Control, and R&D in bituminous and asphalt materials and technologies.

In 2011, Kanjana took on the role of Lab/Technical Manager at Colas Mauritius, overseeing quality control processes and testing for the Parallel Taxiway construction project at SSR International Airport in Mauritius. After completing the project in 2013, she joined SAMI Bitumen Technologies (Colas Australia) as a Lab Manager in Queensland.

In June 2015, she transferred to Sydney, where she currently serves as the National Laboratory and R&D Manager. In 2025, Kanjana was appointed Colas Group Technical Manager ANZ, overseeing technical operations for Colas companies in Australia and New Zealand. Her research interests focus on smart and environmentally friendly materials for road construction.

Dr Erik Denneman is the Global Technical Manager for Puma Bitumen. He leads Puma Bitumen’s R&D program focused on developing ever more sustainable bituminous binders. His team is further responsible for rigorous quality control across Puma’s global supply network. Prior to joining Puma Erik was Director of Technology & Leadership at the Australian Flexible Pavement Association. Erik is a Chartered Professional Engineer based in Melbourne and has previously worked in the Netherlands, the USA and South Africa.

Zoe Schmidt is the Technical Marketing Lead at Adbri Pty Ltd, bringing over 30 years of experience in the construction materials industry. Her career spans a wide range of technical and marketing roles across multiple global regions. Zoe is widely respected as a technical advisor, and in recent years has played a key role in the development and publication of Adbri’s Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), helping to support the industry’s transition toward more transparent and sustainable construction practices.

Zoe played a key role in developing Adbri’s more sustainable product range, including our Futurecrete® lower carbon concrete. Her deep technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration have helped bring these solutions to market, supporting customers in meeting their project sustainability goals.

Jimmy Low started his love for aviation as a part time luggage handler for a small regional airline while at university. When he finished his Civil Engineering degree he worked with Adelaide Airport for 12 years, starting as a junior engineer and eventually as the Projects and Engineering Manager, responsible for delivering a wide range of capital projects at Adelaide and Parafield Airports. That experience together with his Masters in Pavement Technology, then took him to the Sunshine Coast to work on the airport expansion project there, which included a new Code E runway, taxiway network and multiple new apron parking bays. Jimmy then went on as a National Aviation Lead for an engineering firm, an Associate Director for a Project Management firm, and ultimately with the creation of his own business Wedgetail Project Management & Advisory.

Kathy Jarrett is an accomplished senior executive with extensive leadership experience in local government.  As a Director at multiple councils, she has overseen major infrastructure portfolios including significant airport redevelopment initiatives such as the $30 million Whyalla Airport Upgrade Project.  Over the years, Kathy has led many strategic projects focused on improving community outcomes, financial sustainability and regional connectivity.  With nearly two decades in executive roles, Kathy brings expertise in funding strategy, governance, and operational oversight.  Her work securing funding for critical airport and city infrastructure projects demonstrates her capability in delivering outcomes that strengthen community resilience and growth.

Ian Thompson is Jacobs’ airfield pavement lead in Australia with over 30 years of experience, including major projects at airports across Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India, and the UK. His interests include low carbon concrete, coloured asphalt to reduce the heat island effect, and pavement carbon measurements. He is currently leading the design of a private aviation apron for 150 Code E and C aircraft in Riyadh and the resurfacing of the runway at Mackay.

Nicholas Andrew is a Civil Engineer and Project Manager at Sitzler, with a proven record in managing and delivering large-scale civil infrastructure projects for local, state, and federal governments, including the US Department of Defence (DoD). He has experience in constructing and expanding aircraft concrete pavements, having overseen high-profile projects such as P400 Aircraft Apron Expansion for the US Air Force / NAVFAC, AIR7000 Phase 2B, and the Nackeroo Airstrip Upgrade for Australian Defence.

Experienced aviation operations manager with a career spanning since 2013, holding operational roles at Townsville, Broome, and Rockhampton Airports. Proven track record in managing all aspects of airfield operations, compliance, emergency management, safety, and security. Possesses deep industry knowledge and a strong focus on regulatory compliance with CASA, the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Mines and Petroleum, and multinational oil & gas companies.

Skilled in leading large teams across multiple operational areas, often in remote and challenging environments. Successfully led a major airfield lighting upgrade project in 2017, delivering the complete transition to a MIRL pit and duct system, installation of dual PAPI lights, and new LED taxiway lighting.

Hi, my name is Daniel. I’m a qualified electrician with over 25 years of hands-on experience in the electrical industry. Around 10 years ago, I moved into airfield lighting at Melbourne Airport, maintaining critical infrastructure and developing a strong understanding of airfield lighting systems, safety, compliance, and design. More recently, I’ve taken on the role of Airside Operations Technical Lead, where I apply my technical background in a new and challenging environment. I’m passionate about building a safe and efficient airfield, constantly learning, and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained along the way.

Daniele Mosticone is the Airfield Lighting Maintenance Manager at Melbourne Airport, bringing over 16 years of electrical industry experience. A dual-trade qualified A-grade electrician and Traction Linesman, Daniele spent much of his early career in the construction and rail industries, often in team leader roles. At Melbourne Airport, he progressed from maintenance Airfield Lighting Officer to Project ALO, supporting major AGL works including the Yankee Dual Taxilane, Runway 16/34 overlay and recently completed new taxiway Delta. Passionate about aviation and innovation in lighting systems, Daniele brings hands-on expertise and a collaborative mindset. Off the tarmac, he’s a proud husband, father of two, aviation nerd, and F1 fanatic (Pre drive to survive).

Louisa is the Airfield Infrastructure Asset Manager at Melbourne Airport, responsible for airfield infrastructure assets from whole life cycle including performance monitoring, asset management strategies planning, providing technical expert advice and asset renewal and maintenance budgetary planning. Prior to APAM, Louisa was civil engineer with 21 years industry experience specialising in heavy duty pavement in airfield, port and highway with broad international experience.

Hechter specialises in heavy duty pavement engineering with more than 35 years’ experience, previously worked in Africa, California, prior to Australia. His core skills include:

• Aircraft strength classification pavement (ACR and PCR rating).
• Pavement rehabilitation investigation and design on commercial airports.
• Binder rheology testing and performance related binder specification.
• Performance related specification and testing of asphalt mixes.
• Review of construction non-compliances and the associated impact to performance.
• Forensic investigation of premature failures.

Elsabe van Aswegen has 20 years’ experience in pavement engineering, road and airfield, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering. She has comprehensive knowledge of road and airfield pavement design, construction, maintenance and asset management. She joined Perth Airport in August 2023.

Jon Hall is a chartered Civil Engineer and Project Director with 25 years’ experience delivering airfield infrastructure projects. Jon has worked across 4 continents delivering airport development, capacity/operational efficiency and safety/compliance projects as a Contractor, Consultant and Client. Jon moved to Australia in May 2024 to take up the role of Project Director for Perth Airport’s new runway project.

Jennifer is a Principal Pavement Engineer with over 15 years of industry experience. She has worked on the design and delivery of major highways and transport infrastructure, specializing in Construction Phase Services and Concept, Detailed, and Rehabilitation Design. Throughout her career, Jennifer has been involved in the design, testing, evaluation, construction, and maintenance of pavements. With expertise across several disciplines, including pavement design, testing, geotechnical investigations, and general highway design, she is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable design solutions. Jennifer holds a postgraduate qualification and has a strong passion for combating climate change through innovation and collaboration. She has managed pavement condition testing and analysis for local, state, and private clients in New South Wales and is well-versed in managing sub-contractors while ensuring safe work practices. Jennifer’s unique background allows her to not only analyse pavement data but also apply insights from firsthand experience in conducting pavement condition surveys.

As a former airport manager, I have firsthand experience navigating the challenges faced by regional airports. I successfully secured significant grant funding by aligning proposals with strategic plans, and I am excited to share insights that could benefit the broader aviation community. Regional airports often struggle with limited revenue, making major works like resurfacing or lighting upgrades financially unfeasible. These projects can cost millions, and the lack of sustainable funding forces communities (often the rate payers or councils) to contribute up to 50% of expenses, straining their resources further. Government funding cycles frequently fail to align with real-time infrastructure needs, creating additional inefficiencies. There is a tremendous opportunity to coordinate projects among airports who are located within similar geographical locations, to reduce costs and achieving greater value for their communities. Securing funding also requires skilful grant submissions that align with strategic plans, turning aspirations into reality. Its vital to advocate for sustainable, needs-based funding cycles and foster regional partnerships to maximise impact and ensure a bright future for regional aviation. Together, we can pave the way, for a thriving industry!