POWERPLANT - Key Persons


Aamir Khan

Job Titles:
  • Design Manager, NSW
Aamir has a Master of Engineering in Electrical Power from University of South Australia, along with 12+ years' experience in design and construction of power distribution, transmission and rail networks in SA and NSW/ACT. His demonstrated skills include electrical network design, installation and maintenance, network safety and reliability, managing environmental and security risks and asset condition assessment investigations. Aamir moved to Australia from Pakistan in 2010, and of course remains staunchly loyal to the Pakistan cricket team.

Alister Vassiliou

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager
Alister has been with Powerplant since 2016, starting out as an electrical draftsperson completing both design and detailing services, then becoming an accredited auditor and detailer within the VESI network space. With such a strong base of knowledge, Alister has achieved exceptional understanding of the construction process and confidently leads projects through the life cycle with excellent results.

Greg Plant

Job Titles:
  • Director
Proud founder of an award-winning company, music man, father of three and lover of opportunity - Greg is a man of vision and many talents. After kicking off his energy career in the SEC, he spotted an opportunity in 1999 and created a company which, project by project, he built into a thriving business that is creating a better industry for his staff, customers and the wider community. He works hard, has built a team around him that does the same, and takes great pride in their success. Off duty (or as close as Greg gets to it) he enjoys simple times with family and friends, camping on the Murray out of mobile reception. His latest ‘opportunity' involves launching a community choir in the City of Casey and it won't be his last - a true entrepreneur.

Jason Southby - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Certified Practicing Project Director, Project Manager
Jason has extensive experience managing complex programs and projects both within the energy sector and defence sector. Jason has spent the last 10 years in the energy sector included working on major projects for (and within) Powercor, AusNet and UED. Jason has a track record of building and leading high performing teams to deliver exceptional results. He is a people person who has a passion for delivering great results. In addition to his work experience, Jason is a Certified Practicing Project Director, Project Manager and has a Diploma in Electrical Systems from his time as an Electronics and Communications Technician in the Navy. He is a motor bike buff with several road and dirt bikes and well as some vintage models.

Jay Graham

Job Titles:
  • General Manager, Delivery
Jay worked predominately across electricity retail and distribution before bringing his great depth of knowledge in these spaces to the infrastructure world. His experience leading operations and business development functions for Select Solutions has helped inform many aspects of our work, and his natural ability to motivate others makes him a key member of the team. With a natural and positive leadership style he has transformed the culture and output of the teams he has worked with, and as a result has a large network within the energy industry. A kiwi and former rugby player, he spends most weekends supporting his favorite teams and extolling the virtues of the All Blacks to his Aussie-born kids.

Jean Gaied

Job Titles:
  • General Manager, Projects
Jean is a highly skilled and experienced project manager, with 15 years spent managing engineering and major construction projects across Asia, the Middle East and Australia, and nine years in the VESI environment including contracting, asset owner and consultancy. He is a certified Practicing Senior Project Manager (AIPM, Australia) and a Project Management Professional certified by Project Management Institute USA. Well-traveled and well-read, Jean is always working to develop personally and professionally.

John Kelso

Job Titles:
  • Director
John is a recognised business leader with over 35 years' valuable experience in the energy industry. Generous with his time and knowledge, he is passionate about making a positive difference in the industry. His success in senior management roles at AusNet Services, TXU and Eastern Energy, demonstrate his ability to build collaborative high performing teams, and he was instrumental in developing Select Solutions into a successful national business, recognised as a Best Employer by AON Hewitt and in the top 40 Most Innovative Companies in Australia (2016 Fin Review). A proud father of six, John is a big supporter of our growth into the Western suburbs of Melbourne, perhaps influenced by his lifelong support of the Western Bulldogs Football team.

Mark Campbell - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
Mark is a proven results-focussed finance professional whose extensive finance, accounting and business services skills and experience are sending us flying towards our strategic goals. He has 35+ years in customer-serving regulated, public sector and listed ‘Top 100' businesses, holding senior management roles at Select Solutions, AusNet Services and Manningham Council. An overachiever in many ways (former competitive basketballer, six-time 100km Oxfam Trailwalker) he balances this with a long-suffering commitment to supporting the Carlton Football Club.

Martin Foreman

Job Titles:
  • Head of Sales & Marketing
On completion of his Bachelor in Business Studies in 2003 (marketing major), Martin migrated to Melbourne from New Zealand, starting his professional career in the utility connections space. Working closely with energy retailers, he gained experience in the energy industry, while commencing his career in managing client relationships. Demonstrating natural competence in building relationships, Marty found himself in leadership positions at a young age, leading to executive roles early in his career. With his background in marketing, he was also provided invaluable opportunities to lead marketing efforts; a role he thoroughly enjoys. A proud father and husband, Marty's most cherished time is with his family. He loves to travel and watching the All Blacks with a cold one.

Simon Priest

Job Titles:
  • General Manager, Consulting
Simon has worked in the electricity distribution industry for more than 15 years in a variety of roles, for both contractors and networks businesses. Simon worked in QLD prior to settling in Victoria and has engaged with both transmission and distribution networks nationally through various roles. Starting in an operations capacity Simon's career has seen him work through several different roles giving a broad appreciation of the challenges facing networks and customers in the electricity supply industry. Managing large field-based operations delivering services to the distribution networks in QLD and Victoria, he has led large and small teams and understands the importance of efficient planning and effective communication in the delivery of work programs. These roles also build a strong knowledge of the compliance and efficiency drivers of networks and the importance of early stakeholder engagement. Equally as important has been a development of strong safety leadership and the ability to build an accountable and proactive safety culture.

Siri Sao

Job Titles:
  • Manager, Sustainability Consultancy
Siri has a background in gas and electricity network planning and business case development, and more recently has worked in network-connected generation and BESS project scoping, commissioning and field development. He loves camping weekends and outdoor adventures, mountain bike riding and the odd game of tennis.

Siva Nadella

Job Titles:
  • Public Lighting Design Manager
Siva has more than seven years' experience of lighting design, lighting audits, electrical design, VESI Auditing & Project management. He has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Hons) & Master's in engineering systems (Mining). He is a member of Institute of Engineers Australia, and the current serving Secretary of Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia VIC/TAS chapter. Siva has experience in the design of lighting and electrical installations for VicRoads, local government and other private/public authorities ranging from freeways, local roads, carparks, sports fields, public spaces and LATMs on local roads. He has design experience in metered and un-metered supply authority (VESI) lighting installations. He also has design experience in MTM lighting installations and AS/NZS 3000 electrical installations.

Spencer Nebel

Job Titles:
  • Manager, Detailing & Auditing
Spencer, our resident Canadian and ‘go to' guy when it comes to the festive season, manages our Electrical Detailing & Auditing function with 6 years of experience in the electrical industry. Spencer is big on managing solutions through team-work, showing appreciation for each individuals performance and contributions as well as leading by example. He is skilled in managing change and innovation and has a refreshingly honest approach to safety.