Ausdrill African COO Tuckwell Resigns to Return to MACA Ltd

After two short years at MACA competitor Ausdrill, mining executive Chris Tuckwell is returning to MACA as its managing director. Tuckwell’s past two years were spent in Africa, as Ausdrill’s chief operating officer in the region— a position that was handcrafted upon his recruitment.

This highly sought after executive has spent 13 years working with the Canning Vale-based company between 1994 and 2007. MACA’s managing director position was recently vacated by the resignation of Doug Grewar, another seasoned mining executive, who had spent 19 months in the position. Tuckwell’s predecessor joined MACA in October of 2012, after leaving his previously held senior Queensland-based executive roles with Abigroup, Macmahaon Contractors and Downer Mining.

Andrew Edwards previously commented on Grewar’s appointment saying, “I am delighted that Mr. Grewar has accepted the opportunity to take on this key leadership role with MACA. MACA has successfully transitioned from private to public ownership over the past two years; the appointment of such a high quality external candidate will lessen the reliance on the founders of the business and strengthen the executive team as the company continues its journey of sustainable growth.”

Ausdrill has released a comment that its organization is considering various options regarding the appointment of a successor to Tuckwell’s position, but that there is no confirmed selection yet. 

Non-executive chairman Andrew Edwards applauded Grewar’s service for the MACA, and commented on the return of Tuckwell, "Chris is of course very familiar with MACA's clients and operations," he said, "His recent experience in Africa has added to his already considerable experience."

In addition to changes in the mining industry’s senior executives, Brisbane-based contractor Sedgman has announced the promotion of Peter Watson to managing director. Watson has been responsible for Australia West, Africa and Americas region, and is set to succeed Nick Jukes in June of this year.

Watson’s attractive salary package includes a base pay of $600,000 per annum, plus superannuation, a short-term bonus and access to participate in long-term incentive plan.