Management
David McDonald
Managing Director
David McDonald has extensive experience in the commercialisation of new technologies both within Australia and abroad. He has been an early pioneer of Australian technology into offshore markets including China, India, Middle East and North America; developing unrefined early stage technologies into large and sustained commercial-scale supply for multinational off-take partners. This has required not only strong commercial acumen but also a comprehensive strategy for engaging with national and state/provincial governments possessing highly varied trade policies and infrastructure.
David has been recognised with various awards for his achievements. A recent study by the University of Queensland and the Australian Business Foundation named David as one of Australia’s foremost “Born Global” executives.
A history of project development, a strong finance background and management experience from start-up through to business maturity are key strengths that David brings to KUTh Energy to lead the company through its growth phase.
Jim Randle
Director of Projects
Jim Randle has thirty years experience in the development of geothermal projects world wide, including New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya and Nicaragua. A Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (England) and a Member of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand, Jim obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from London University before specialising in nuclear propulsion in the Royal Navy's submarine programme. After leaving the Royal Navy he worked for New Zealand Electricity, including a period in the Cook Islands, and following restructuring of the electricity industry he held senior positions in DesignPower before joining KRTA, subsequently Sinclair Knight Merz Ltd, where he was a Principal responsible for the company's geothermal practice.
More recently he was VP Project Development for Polaris Geothermal Inc, responsible for the development and initial operation of the company's San Jacinto project in Nicaragua. Overall Jim has been involved in geothermal projects at various stages of development with a combined capacity potential of 2500MW.
Dr Roger Lewis
Project Investigation
Dr Roger Lewis is a highly experienced geophysicist who has helped guide the technical development of KUTh Energy since its inception, and was instrumental in the early investigation of the geothermal energy potential in Tasmania and subsequent formation of the company.
Roger gained a BSc from the University of Tasmania and a PhD from Princeton, both in geophysics. From 1970 through 1997 he lectured in geology and all aspects of geophysics at Macquarie University and subsequently at the University of Tasmania. In 1972 he started a consulting practice, with principal areas of expertise that include electrical and electromagnetic methods applied to exploration problems and interpretation software for down hole techniques.
Dr Fiona Holgate
Operations Manager - Australia
Dr Fiona Holgate is an experienced geoscientist responsible for project and exploration management of KUTh Energy’s Australian tenements. Dr Holgate’s experience spans field geophysics and drilling management through to complex geological data modelling and analysis.
Prior to joining KUTh Energy, Fiona was with Australian Government agency Geoscience Australia, where she was a senior geologist in its Onshore Energy Security Program, with a strong focus on geothermal development, building upon her previous experience as a geothermal researcher and field exploration geologist.
Fiona graduated with a BSc with First Class Honours from the Australian National University (ANU), in which she was further awarded a University Medal. She subsequently completed a PhD at ANU, the subject of her thesis being the exploration and evaluation of the Australian Geothermal Resource.