Our People
We're a close-knit team that runs on connection, collaboration, and shared ambition. If you want to do meaningful work, grow alongside people who invest in you, and shape your own career, FACTION is the place to do it.
Meet Our Leaders
FACTION is led by experienced directors who bring a global perspective, local insight, and hands-on approach to every project. Our directors work alongside our teams and clients, staying closely involved to guide decisions and ensure value is delivered at every stage.
Gary Finnegan
Paul Bickham
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For over 25 years, Paul has gained experience in Australia and internationally, having worked with Grocon and as a Director of Asia for WT Partnership in Hong Kong. Paul has worked with Gary Finnegan and Bob Minnikin on various projects, including 55 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane and ATO fitout ($100m+), most notably over the past four years, the Commonwealth Games Athletes Villages at Parklands ($600m+), representing Grocon.
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CEO & Managing Director
Executive Director
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Gary is highly regarded as one of Australia’s leading project managers, property advisors and business leaders, having successfully managed and grown project management and real estate businesses in Australia and New Zealand. He is a senior advisor to Government and major corporations on business cases, major procurement, and project delivery. Gary recently led the negotiations for Suncorp on the significant commercial transaction in Brisbane and was the lead negotiator for the Queensland State Government on a $240 million social infrastructure project.
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Kara Thompson
Siobhan Fernantzen
Executive Director - Hobart
Executive Director - London
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With a wealth of experience across multiple property sectors, Siobhan has consistently demonstrated exceptional development advisory through her expertise and leadership. Siobhan has collaborated with not-for-profit organisations and community housing providers, assisting them to achieve their goals within a challenging environment. Her commitment to delivering end-to-end development solutions tailored to individual client needs is truly commendable.
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Kara is a highly experienced Director and Project Manager with a strong track record of leading complex, multidisciplinary teams at the director level in refurbishments, business development, and merger-acquisition projects. Proven ability to deliver innovative, practical solutions that enhance profit margins and reduce costs through strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving.
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Iain McKern
Executive Director - Brisbane
Director
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Iain is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Consulting, Design, Value Engineering, Cost Management, and Design Management. Proven track record of exceptional client service through communication, risk mitigation and technical excellence. He offers deep technical insight, strategic project direction, and a collaborative approach that aligns with complex client environments and high-performance expectations.
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Duncan Adams is a respected industry leader known for delivering technically complex and high-profile projects for global clients including Google, BlackRock, Morgan Stanley, Chubb, ExxonMobil, Credit Suisse, and RBS. He has also served on the Board of Management and the International Committee of the British Council for Offices.
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Simon Mowlam
Andrew Campbell
Associate Director
Associate Director
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Simon first began his career in the building and construction industry in the commercial sector. Since then, Simon has gained extensive experience in design, construction, and new build projects across key sectors of commercial and workplace, retail, health, and education. In his over 20 years of experience, Simon has successfully delivered over 50 projects with budgets ranging from $500,000 to $14m and has recently been involved in the $400m precinct for Australia Post in Melbourne.
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Andrew is a strategic infrastructure leader with over 15 years’ experience delivering major projects across both government and private sectors. As a Director at FACTION, he brings a rare dual-perspective from contractor and client-side roles, enabling a holistic approach to project delivery and commercial outcomes.
He leads high-performing teams across a $2.4B portfolio of complex capital works, with specialist expertise in correctional infrastructure and security-sensitive environments. Andrew is known for navigating stakeholder complexity, managing risk, and driving clarity in challenging project landscapes.
Andrew also serves as Chair of the Property Council of Australia’s Future Leaders Committee, championing emerging talent and cross-sector collaboration within the industry.
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Bob Minnikin
Non- Executive Director
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Bob is an industry leader in project management and advisory services who has undertaken large-scale projects and events that have changed the face of South East Queensland, including Riparian Plaza, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane General and Women’s Hospital, 1982 Commonwealth Games, World Expo ‘88, and the Gold Coast IndyCar Grand Prix. Bob is advising the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, through UBS, on its investment in the Parklands Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, Gold Coast. Bob leads our Advisory service offering and provides technical support to our PM and IC consultants.
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Aidan Stewart-Smith
Alex Tempany
Associate Director
Associate Director
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With over 20 years’ experience in large-scale construction design and project delivery, Aidan is well versed across the full project life cycle - from conceptual requirements and design documentation through procurement, construction management and handover.
Having worked as both client and builder, he brings valuable insight into buildability and value engineering while staying aligned with project goals. His broad portfolio has honed his ability to deliver practical solutions to complex challenges, with extensive experience in government and client-side delivery of commercial workplaces.
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Alex brings a proactive and disciplined approach to project management, with a strong focus on understanding client requirements, managing risk and maintaining operational efficiency. Alex is committed to clear communication and collaborative working relationships, ensuring the project is delivered in line with agreed objectives and expectations.
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Why Join FACTION?
At FACTION, we focus on building a culture where individuals are supported in different ways
so they can contribute meaningfully, develop in their own direction, and feel part of something bigger.
We offer competitive salaries and a reward structure that recognises performance through salary progression, bonuses, or share options depending on your role. We do not believe recognition should be limited to annual review cycles. Instead, we take a more proactive approach, acknowledging strong performance as it happens. This means high-performing team members are recognised and rewarded, creating a culture where effort, impact, and results are consistently valued.
At FACTION, growth is shaped through meaningful work, ongoing development, and the people around you. You will have opportunities to take on new challenges, progress internally, and learn from experienced team members across the business.
Our international footprint also opens up opportunities across locations, while business improvement initiatives create additional pathways to develop your skills. We encourage professional exposure through client work, business development, and industry events - helping you build your network and capability over time.
See how James enjoyed his short exchange trip from Hobart to Brisbane - learning, exploring, and collaborating with the Brisbane team.
Our strength is the range of perspectives around the table. At FACTION, we work to create an environment where everyone — regardless of background or experience level — feels genuinely included, heard, and empowered to contribute
We actively encourage open dialogue, different ways of thinking, and collaboration across the business, recognising that diverse perspectives lead to better conversations and more considered outcomes. By embracing this, we build stronger teams, deliver better solutions, and create more meaningful outcomes for both our clients and our people.
At FACTION, supporting wellbeing is part of how we work day-to-day. We recognise that everyone’s needs are different, and we actively create an environment where people feel supported, balanced, and able to perform at their best.
This includes access to practical support when it’s needed, flexibility where possible, and a team culture where people look out for one another. Whether it’s managing workload, navigating challenges, or returning to work, we focus on making sure individuals feel supported in a way that’s genuine and responsive.
We recognise that flexibility looks different for everyone. At FACTION, you’ll have the ability to manage how and where you work, with the flexibility to balance personal commitments, priorities, and your day-to-day schedule.
This includes supporting a range of working patterns, providing autonomy in how you structure your time, and fostering an environment where balance is integrated into how work is delivered.
Explore how Chelsea balances work and family with FACTION’s flexibility
At FACTION, recognition is an important part of how we build and reinforce our culture. We celebrate individuals who consistently demonstrate our values and make a positive impact on those around them.
Through initiatives like our monthly Values Award, we recognise contributions that reflect how we work, not just what we deliver. We also encourage our people to shape the future of the business by recognising and introducing great talent and opportunities, reinforcing a shared sense of ownership and pride in what we’re building together.
Where are you in your career?
We provide a strong foundation to help you build confidence and capability early on. Through structured learning, hands-on experience, and close support from your team, you’ll gain the skills and exposure needed to grow quickly. You will be supported with
Mentorship and guidance from experienced team members
Exposure to a variety of projects across industries and work types
Early responsibility to build confidence through real work
As you develop your career, we support you in deepening your expertise and taking on greater responsibility. You’ll have opportunities to expand your skill set, work on impactful projects, and shape the direction of your work. You will be provided with
Greater ownership of work and key deliverables
A range of projects to deepen your expertise
Ongoing feedback and coaching to accelerate your growth
Opportunities for internal exchange experiences
See how Darcy used his exchange trip to Hobart to broaden his skills, gain new perspectives, and collaborate with a different team
We value the experience you bring and create an environment where you can make an immediate impact. You’ll be trusted with meaningful work, contribute to key decisions, and continue to evolve your expertise. FACTION will support you through
Opportunities to work on complex, high-impact projects
Autonomy in how you deliver and contribute
A platform to influence clients and the business
Discover what drew Scott to FACTION and the projects that excite him.
You will be supported to lead with confidence and impact whether you’re stepping into leadership or continuing to grow your leadership capability. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of teams, shape outcomes, and develop your own leadership style in a collaborative and high-performing environment. FACTION will provide you with
Opportunities to lead teams and projects, with clear ownership of delivery and outcomes
Involvement in shaping direction and decisions, contributing to how work is defined and executed
Guidance and partnership from other leaders, providing perspective, challenge, and support as you grow
If you’re exploring a new path, we support you in making that transition with confidence. You’ll have the opportunity to learn, adapt your existing strengths, and build new capabilities in a supportive environment. At FACTION, you’ll be supported with:
Guidance as you transition into a new area
Opportunities to apply your existing strengths in new ways
Hands-on experience to build new capabilities
Life At FACTION
Life at FACTION is about people experiences and the work we’re proud to deliver.
Site Visits
FACTION facilitates regular site visits to provide our teams and clients with first-hand insights into project progress, safety performance and quality outcomes.
Social Events
FACTION participates in structured social and industry networking to strengthen relationships, share insights, and access expertise that supports continuous learning and capability development across the business.
Coaching & Development
FACTION facilitates regular site visits to provide our teams and clients with first-hand insights into project progress, safety performance and quality outcomes.
Exchange Initiatives
Our internal exchange programs enable staff to work across FACTION locations in Australia and sometimes overseas, broadening experience, diversifying client exposure, and expanding professional perspectives.
Social Responsibility
FACTION supports staff involvement in meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility and community initiatives, offering opportunities to volunteer, contribute to charities, and make a positive impact beyond project work.
Culture
FACTION’s culture centres on value creation, passion, collaboration, and challenger thinking, fostering curiosity, innovation, and respectful teamwork that drive better solutions and meaningful outcomes.
People Testimonials
Listen to our people and alumni share about their FACTION journey.
Chelsea Keim (Alumni)
Explore how Chelsea balances work and family with FACTION’s flexibility
Scott Birgan
Discover what drew Scott to FACTION and the projects that excite him.
Colin Robertson
Explore Colin’s story and how FACTION’s values aligned with his own.
Jane Meaney (Alumni)
See how Jane found the right fit and what drew her to FACTION.
Start your FACTION journey today
