The Board of Aveng Limited, owner of Australasian infrastructure and building business McConnell Dowell, and African mining contractor Moolmans, has today advised the market of the retirement of Group CEO Scott Cummins, which will be effective from 30 January 2026.
Cummins joined the Group in 2015, initially as CEO of McConnell Dowell, before stepping up to the parent company Aveng CEO role in early 2024.
In announcing the change, Aveng Chair Philip Hourquebie noted: “Scott has led McConnell Dowell and Aveng through a period of significant change and challenge. Under his leadership, MCD has grown scale, entered a number of new markets, navigated the complexity of COVID and its aftermath, and built a respected, internationally award-winning brand. Throughout that time, Scott has also remained focused on ensuring we live our company values and purpose.”
The Board advised the market in December 2025 that, after considering a range of options for the separation of the McConnell Dowell and Moolmans businesses, the Board concluded that the best route to obtaining value for shareholders at this juncture is for Aveng to focus on improving consistent operational performance across all its operating entities.
Reflecting on this position, Cummins said: “After a decade in senior leadership positions within the Group, it is timely to put in place new leadership to steer our businesses through the coming years of change and transformation. In my view, which is shared by the Board, now is the right time to move into a new phase of performance and growth under the leadership of a new Group CEO.”
To that end, the Board announced the appointment of David Simpson as the Interim Group Chief Executive and a director of the company with effect from 30 January 2026. David is a highly experienced executive with legal, commercial and general management expertise in leading companies through growth, restructuring and transitions. David has led businesses in engineering, construction, maintenance and consulting services operating in the infrastructure, road, rail, resources and industrial services sectors. David’s key focus areas will include improving operational performance and profitability, positioning the business for future growth and resolving contractual disputes.
Simpson noted of the appointment: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the interim leader of such a diverse and well respected business as Aveng, and its key brands of McConnell Dowell, Built Environs and Moolmans. I look forward to visiting our many project sites and engaging with our staff, customers and communities over the next few months.”
The Board has appointed external advisors to assist in the appointment of a permanent CEO.
Media Contact: Kate Balme, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
