Management

Before joining the alumina refining industry, Trent accumulated more than a decade of civil construction experience encompassing infrastructure, large-scale building developments and mining projects across Australia and the UK. Trent worked at the Gove and Yarwun Alumina Refineries before joined QAL in 2016 as Superintendent - Raw Materials and has since held several key roles, including Superintendent - Digestion Operations, Manager - Health, Safety, Environment & Tailings and Manager – Redside. In his role as Manager – Health, Safety and Environment, Trent developed and sponsored the execution of QAL's 5-Year Environment Strategy. Trent advanced to acting General Manager in November 2023 before being appointed in the role permanently in March 2024. Trent achieved a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters in Geotechnical Engineering & Engineering Geology. Trent is dedicated to ensuring QAL remains the heart of Gladstone, with a focus on improving safety and efficiency. Outside work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his young family and surfing at local beaches.

Theunis joined QAL in July 2023. Theunis has held several HR Executive and Senior HR Leadership roles across the Mining, Supply Chain & Logistics, Engineering, Utilities and Public Services sectors. Prior to joining QAL, Theunis held the position of General Manager: People, Culture and Safety with our good neighbour Gladstone Regional Council. Theunis aspires to position HR as a credible strategic business partner, add commercial value and foster great relationships. Theunis has a keen interest in Organisational Culture and the role of Leadership in shaping an Organisational Culture that provides our employees with a safe, productive, and respectful environment where they can realise their potential, enjoy their work and in turn be QAL ambassadors. Theunis’ leadership style is collaborative, he leverages the strengths of his team, is supportive and positively challenges his team to continuously improve the value they add. When not at work, Theunis enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, fishing and the outdoors.

After completing his apprenticeship in Diesel Fitting, Darren worked in various roles across heavy industry before moving into a Maintenance Planner role in Mount Isa. Darren joined Boyne Smelters Limited in 2002 and spent 12 years working in various leadership roles, including operational and maintenance Superintendent roles. In 2013, Darren joined QAL as the Whiteside Maintenance Superintendent. In 2016, Darren travelled overseas for two years working as the Maintenance and Reliability Manager for Almatis, Louisiana. Returning to QAL in 2018 as Superintendent for the Alliance Contractors role for 12 months before moving into the Maintenance Services Manager role in 2019. In 2020, Darren then became Manager - Whiteside before transitioning into the Manager - Maintenance Services.  

Glen joined QAL as an Electrical/Instrumentation Apprentice in 2000. After completing his apprenticeship Glen worked for both Inctec Pivot and at NRG (Gladstone Power Station). Glen attained a Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2009 followed by his Masters of Engineering Practice, Power Stations in 2012. Glen returned to QAL in 2013 as Lead Electrical Engineer. Since then, Glen has worked across various roles including Superintendent Electrical Integrity, Superintendent Redside Maintenance, Superintendent and Superintendent Tailings Storage Facilities before accepting the role of Manager - Utilities in August 2022.

Marcus has over 30 years management and leadership experience in asset, maintenance and operations management with a passionate approach to Health, Safety and Environmental compliance and a strong focus on behavioural change. Marcus attained a wealth of experience in Nickel, Iron Ore and Aluminium Smelting before joining QAL in 2020 as the Manager - Maintenance and Support Services. Marcus holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering. Originally from South Africa, Marcus has worked in various locations in and around Perth and the Pilbara, as well as Townsville, before settling in Gladstone. Outside of work Marcus enjoys playing Tennis, Squash, Golf and Cricket.

Mark joined QAL in 2014, as a Superintendent in the Maintenance Department, and was appointed to Manager - Engineering in 2022. Mark has a 30-year career in heavy industry, working globally across multiple sectors. A qualified Fitter and Turner, Mark returned to full-time tertiary study specialising in Mechanical Engineering, graduating from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, in 1995.  Having worked in Maintenance and Project Management across Hydro Pumped Storage, Pulp and Paper, Secondary Timber Processing, Aluminium Smelting, and Biomass Energy Conversion, as a managing member of both the owner’s team and as a consultant service provider, Mark brings a balanced view to the role of Engineering Manager at QAL. An MBA graduate, Mark’s business acumen and leadership style are well-informed, and his management style is anchored on sound principles. Mark is a firm believer in team alignment in support of the company vision and value pillars, and the importance of the role that QAL plays in the Gladstone Region. An accomplished saxophonist, Mark actively participates in the local community music scene, and enjoys living in the beautiful Central Queensland surrounds with his family.

Prior to joining QAL, Simon held the role of Operations Manager with Cement Australia. Simon joined QAL in June 2013 as Manager -Whiteside a role he held for 3 years before continuing his QLA Career as Manager - Reside in 2016. In December 2022, Simon shifted his focus and took on the role of Manager - Tailings and Environment where he will be further utilising his Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering with Environmental Protection where he will continue his QAL career leading a new team and overseeing the final stages of delivering the 5-YES project. Simon contributes to the broader Gladstone community with his commitment to organising the Mother's Day Classic Fun Run at Tannum Esplanade each year.

Joining QAL in 2013, Michele brings eleven years of experience within the administration of Queensland Alumina Limited, having worked in a crucial supporting role across the departments of Utilities and Whiteside prior to accepting the position of Executive Assistant. Michele's qualifications and experience include Accounts, Human Resources, Inductions, Training and Assessment. She provides support to the General Manager, Management and Administration Teams at QAL.