Meet the Team

You Can Rely On

Rob Newton

Managing Director

Rob is the face of Laser Central and our Managing Director. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer with an MBA and a Diploma of Competitive Manufacturing and is also a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, and a member of The Executive Connection.

Rob has shaped the business over the past 25 years to guide it to the industry-leading position it holds within the Australian metal processing space today. As one of the most experienced people in the laser industry within the Queensland region, Rob has a passion to provide the best possible results for our customers - whatever their requirements may be. Understanding partnerships and building relationships are his forte, and he leverages this to help all our customers achieve long-lasting success.

Derek Mountney

Sales and Marketing Manager

Derek is our Sales Manager and has been with us for over 9 years. He has been in the laser cutting industry for over 20 years now and has extensive sales-based experience in developing strong and long-lasting partnerships with customers. Derek prides himself in being able to offer solutions to customers that make their lives easier. For him, it’s more than just business – it’s about doing what you have to do to make sure that customers get the results they are looking for.

David Keenan

Chief Operating Officer

David has numerous years of experience in Manufacturing, Sales, and Industrial Relations. His commitment to ethical and moral principles is key to Laser Central's ongoing support of our staff, customers, and the community.

Arun Shandil

Financial Controller

Arun started his career at Price Waterhouse in New Zealand and went on to work in senior finance roles for over 25 years. During this time, he focused on financial management, analysis, and strategic reporting. His work contributed to the growth of businesses in various industries in Australia and New Zealand, including Fisher & Paykel, Carter Holt Harvey, and Bradnams Windows & Doors. Arun is an MBA graduate from QUT and a Chartered Accountant.

Natalie Chiverton

HSEQ Manager

Natalie is our HSEQ Manager, with over 10 Years of HSEQ experience within heavy manufacturing, oil & gas, mining, and the metal processing industry.  She is passionate about proactive risk reduction and business improvement.

She brings a practical and innovative approach to Health, Safety, Quality, and Wellbeing.

Peter Wadsworth

Account Manager

Equipped with over 17 years in the metal industry (including steel, aluminium and stainless steel) with various companies, Peter has applied his knowledge in his role as Account Manager over nearly 4 years. He provides a wealth of knowledge through a strong support team in the sales office. He liaises with customers to build a strong working relationship and follows the progress of their work from start to finish. He has a strong focus on customer service and strives to improve in all aspects.

Jess Willmott

Account Manager

Jessica is a new, fresh face to our Account Management team, she is equipped with 10 years of experience in customer service, human resources, and previous large, account management. Always striving for the best results for her customers. Focusing on honest, transparent communication, product knowledge and advocating for her customers’ needs. She has strong communication skills and values the relationships built with her customers. Jessica has a great interest in continual learning throughout the business to ensure the team are working in the most efficient way possible.

Jim Shannon

Internal Sales Team Leader

Jim came to Laser Central with 25 years of steel industry experience starting at trade level through to sales. Jim prides himself on customer service and building long-term relationships, always mindful of the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Jay Duong

Internal Sales Team Technical Leader

Jay is Laser Central’s Internal Sales Team Technical Leader and has been with us for over 10 years. His expertise, skills and knowledge within the laser industries for more than 20 years allow him to provide excellent customer service and guaranteed customer satisfaction.

Stewart Casey

Internal Sales

Stewart has been working within our Internal Sales Team for over a decade now, currently working as an Estimator for our customers. Stewart joined us here in Australia after 25 years in the sheet metal sector in the UK. He aims to meet our customers' requirements and needs, getting quotes and placing orders in a timely fashion.

Damien Wall

Internal Sales

With a distinguished career spanning 15 years in the welding industry, I have amassed a wealth of expertise in manufacturing both light and heavy fabricated components. My passion for precision and commitment to excellence in welding have led me to deliver outstanding results consistently. I am not just a welder; I am a versatile fabrication specialist who excels in collaborative environments, thrives on injecting innovative ideas into the workplace, and possesses a remarkable ability to create jigs for streamlining repetitive work.

Telitha Grissell

Sales

Telitha is one of Laser Central's youngest Internal Sales Team members. She embarked on her journey into sheet metal after graduating high school, Telitha joins us already having 5 years of experience in the industry and 11 years of experience in customer service. Telitha's knowledge and experience with 3D CAD & drafting software allow her to think outside the square and ensure she can meet customers' needs and assist them in making updates or changes if needed to better suit their projects.

Beau Wood

Internal Sales

Beau has only been in the steel industry for a short 8 years, however, he brings to our team a wealth of knowledge from Production Management, Drafting, Programming and Profile cutting operations with Plasma and Oxy machines. New to Laser cutting and Sales, Beau is striving to learn quickly and respond faster to all challenges and opportunities that he encounters. Beau is customer service focused, and doing what is best for the customer always. Beau is well equipped with enough skills to “Get the job done” and can easily adapt to ‘Break down’ and ‘Shut down’ work with rapid response requirements and urgent turnarounds.

Lee Hiscox

Internal Sales

Lee has been going strong in the laser cutting industry for over 15 years. Over half of that (more than 8 years) has been at Laser Central – where he is part of an incredible sales team. He has the ability to create customised and specialised solutions for our customers' needs and is able to answer any queries – no matter how specific.

Stuart Gibbs

Internal Sales

Internal Sales

Stuart has been involved in the Steel Industry since the mid 1990’s in various capacities from Forming to Estimating, he has a strong background in Metal forming in particular and is conversant in most aspects of Metal and Alloy forming and is willing to assist in all areas.

Jane Haylock

Customer Service

Jane comes to Laser Central with many years of experience in customer service, previously working in education, steel profile cutting and the building industry. Jane prides herself on listening to our customers’ needs and concerns while working with them to achieve positive outcomes.