Paul Howlett

Joint Managing Director, Wright Corporate Strategy

Paul Howlett joined Wright Corporate Strategy as a Partner in 1997 after leading a two-year program to enhance environment industry competitiveness under a Commonwealth Government funded initiative. He has over 25 years experience in the private sector, specialising in environment, waste management and mining.

Current Non-Executive Roles

• Deputy Chair, Environment Business Australia
• Director, Construction & Property Services Industry Skills Council
• Member, Oil Stewardship Advisory Council
• Past-President, Waste Management Association of Australia

Past Appointments

As General Manager of the successful EIDN program, Paul worked extensively across the environment management industry in Australia building comprehensive networks and a deep understanding of the markets for the various sectors of the industry. EIDN formed a strategic link between industry, government and the CRC for Waste Management & Pollution Control. Paul worked on analysis of markets in the industry, the drivers for those markets and positioning strategies for companies seeking to increase their national and international competitiveness.

From 1991 to 1994 Paul was Chief Executive of Kolback Environmental Services Limited, a subsidiary of a listed company, operating clinical and related waste management systems, landfills and construction and demolition waste recycling.

For three years he held a position of General Manager at the Illawarra Technology Corporation at the University of Wollongong, building the viability of start-up businesses in microwave technology, robotics and automation, bulk materials handling and analytical laboratories. This involved managing industrial R&D and commercialising technology.

Paul’s early career was in mining and underground construction, where he specialised in project management, technology innovation, tendering and contract management.

Education

Paul has a degree in Mining Engineering with first class honours and is a qualified member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Recent Non-Executive Roles

Co-chair, NSW Waste Inquiry Implementation Group, preparing for the NSW Minister for the Environment strategies for implementing the recommendations of the Waste Inquiry.

Co-leader of a delegation to Shanghai on behalf of Environment Australia investigating opportunities for Australian environment management companies in solid waste management.

Member of the technical committee reviewing alternatives for the Waverley-Woollahra incinerator on behalf of the NSW Minister for the Environment.