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

Chief Executive Officer

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, ran 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.

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 his interest into the green world of technology.

Nicholas McGloin

Business Development Manager

Nicholas joined Direct Energy in 2009 bringing nearly 30 years experience in engineering sales and support to the team. With management and marketing qualifications he specialises in the commercialisation of new industrial products. He has been involved with the Australian geothermal industry since July 2007. His focus has been on architects, engineering designers and developers, ensuring that the benefits of geothermal technology are delivered in larger scale commercial and public facility buildings such as schools, libraries and aged care facilities.

ESD consultants have an increasing influence in the selection of appropriate environmental technologies for modern building projects.  Nicholas has been active in ensuring that direct exchange geothermal is at the forefront of the products available for their consideration.

He is currently completing the Green Star Accredited Professional Course.