Philip Weinman

Chairman

In 1983 Philip co-founded HiSoft, a software/hardware solutions business, which quickly became one of Australia’s fastest growing companies, employing 400 people in five countries. Within five years HiSoft grew to become Australia’s largest privately owned computer company with a turnover in excess of $300M.

In 1995 Philip founded CTS Travel and Events and four years later the company merged with Internet Travel Group, which then listed with turnover in excess of $450M million. The Internet Travel Group was then acquired by Flight Centre.

More recently, Philip established Deasil Management Group, a company that seeks and invests in start-ups, existing private companies and under-performed/under-valued ASX-listed public companies in need of capital and/or management expertise. This company has already taken positions in a number of fast growing public companies and has a controlling interest in operational businesses including; Rosch Group, VitaminMe, Goal Management Group, Australian Leasing Group, The Drilling Group and Deasil Property Group.

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Justin McFarlane

Sales Director

Trained as a microbiologist & biochemist at LaTrobe University, Justin McFarlane has an extensive background & interest in sustainability and the environment.

He has been working with direct geoexchange technology for over two years. Prior to this he has implemented environmentally friendly refrigerants and refrigerant oils throughout S.E. Asia, run LandCare

Australia and consulted widely on environmental issues and change management.

He also has an extensive career as an elite sports athlete including membership of the Australian Ski Team in biathalon & cross-country skiing.

Donald Payne

Scientific and Policy Director

Dr. Donald Payne graduated from the University of Melbourne with degrees in physics & electrical engineering and subsequently a Ph.D in physics (plasma and astro). Dr. Payne developed a passion for Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) and has developed a substantial suite of expertise in this technology & industry.

Being elected to the Australian Geothermal Energy Group & Association in December 2007, he now compiles the direct use component of the IEA-GIA Australian annual reports and widely presented the industry position paper. He has lectured a 1-day course on direct geoexchange to over 140 engineers, architects, energy consultants, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics and others and is collaborating with researchers at the University of Melbourne, CSIRO and other industry partners.

Since May 2009, Dr. Payne has been collaborating with the CSIRO on a direct geoexchange cooling system for 36 x 12-m antennas in the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). This was presented at the Australian Geothermal Conference in November 2009. Dr. Payne’s role in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne is evolving towards geothermal research.

Rohan Phillips

Engineer

Mr. Rohan Phillips has over 20 years experience in Mechanical Engineering and specializes in Manufacturing and Project Engineering. He has worked with major Australian and International manufacturing plants, in which he excelled in Air Conditioning manufacturing & installation techniques for many years.

Involved in the geothermal industry since early 2009 Rohan has first hand experience with installation and associated issues. He is responsible for technical and site support, calculations and specifications for each geothermal system.

Sally Windor

Operations Manager

The operations department is headed up by Sally Windsor. Sally’s flare for practical systems is matched by well-honed people and management skills that help to create and maintain a highly productive and positive working environment.

As HR and Administration Manager at CTS Travel, Sally managed 80 staff (ranked in the Top 10 of BRW’s 1999 Fastest-Growing Private Companies) which culminated in a successful stock market IPO. Prior to this Sally worked at Village Roadshow for several years in a similar capacity.

In recent times Sally was the General Manager of MindAtlas Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Catalyst Recruitment Systems. She has an accomplished record in building, streamlining and expanding both established (listed) and start-up companies.

Robet Rechtman

Operations Director

Our team is headed up by Robert Rechtman who has over 30 years experience in the plumbing industry, having run his own business for the last 26 years.

Along with Water Bore drilling and plumbing experience, Robert also has a Builders License, with experience in building extensions and renovations.

Always the handyman, Robert resurrected an old bore on his property and extended his existing plumbing business into drilling water bores which then expanded into drilling geothermal holes. He joined the Direct Energy team in 2009 and continues to expand he’s interest into the green world of technology.