Advisory Board Member, AU

Michael Wright

Michael Wright joined Birdon’s Advisory Board in 2021. He is a strategic and driven leader with more than 30 years of experience leading multinational businesses across diverse sectors, including resources, environmental & industrial services, construction and utility operations. Michael has successfully overseen complex and multidisciplinary projects in Australia, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Michael is currently Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Thiess, where he is guiding the company through significant transformation. From 2018 to 2020, he served as CEO of ASX-listed CIMIC Group, overseeing some of Australia’s largest contractors, including CPB, Leighton Asia, Thiess, Sedgman, UGL and Pacific Partnerships. His career includes senior leadership roles overseeing Sedgman, Thiess Mining, Thiess Services (now Ventia), and China & Mongolia for Leighton Asia.

In addition to his role at Birdon, Michael holds board positions with ASX-listed Transurban Ltd, the Minerals Council of Australia, and serves as Chair of the International River Foundation. He also sits on the Strategic Advisory Board of the University of Queensland’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the University of Sydney, a Master of Engineering Science (Environmental) from the University of New South Wales, and has completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School.

Michael’s extensive experience in complex program delivery and large-scale contracting brings invaluable insight to Birdon as the company expands its capability and capacity to deliver an increasing portfolio of innovative projects.