Our leaders

Adam Castro is the Chief Executive Officer of The APP Group and a Director of APP Corporation Pty Limited.

Adam is leading an ambitious growth strategy that builds on the strong foundations of the business and positions the Group for the future by being the partner of choice for property and infrastructure advisory.

Adam's extensive career spans more than three decades within the property and infrastructure industries. He holds a Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics (Hons) from the University of Canberra and a Master of Financial Management from the Australian National University.

He is a Board Member for CareerTrackers, a national purpose-driven organisation that supports pre-professional Indigenous university students and links them with employers to participate in paid, multi-year internships.

Vanessa is the Chief Financial Officer of The APP Group.

Vanessa leads the financial operations for the business and the legal function. She is responsible for the Group’s financial management and performance to meet the Group’s strategic goals, whilst maintaining a strong approach to governance and financial discipline.

With over 30 years of experience, Vanessa has held various Executive level roles leading Finance, Supply Chain and Operations within the retail, wholesale, and healthcare industries, both in Australia and overseas.

David Simpson is the Chief Executive of our Transport business, responsible for driving client service delivery, financial and operational performance to achieve the Group’s strategic goals.  

Educated as a lawyer and business executive, David’s career began in the transport and engineering sectors where he went on to become Chief Executive of UGL Resources, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Forge Group Limited, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fredon Group, and Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Valorem Advisory.  

David has considerable experience in the transport sector having held executive positions at Leighton Contractors, ADtranz and as a Director of Metro Trains Melbourne. He has worked across the broad infrastructure project lifecycle with particular expertise in strategic planning, commercial advisory, contract negation, conflict resolution and leadership. 

Melanie is the Chief Executive of our Property and Social Infrastructure businesses, responsible for driving client service delivery, financial and operational performance to achieve the Group’s strategic goals. 

Melanie has extensive experience across leadership, strategy, business relations, client and stakeholder engagement, development, and project management. She has an impressive track record in leading and empowering teams and projects with her strong knowledge across various industry sectors and brings her creative flair for customising operational plans to align with market demands, opportunities, and growth objectives. 

Melanie is a current Board Director of the GWS Giants Foundation, the University of NSW Foundation Limited and IKON Property Services. In addition, she is active with the Property Council of Australia, supporting the initiative 500 Women in Property and PCA Girls in Property and sits on the PCA NSW Precincts Committee. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from the University of New South Wales, and advanced executive and operational leadership accreditations. 

Brett is the Chief Executive of The APP Group’s Modern Methods of Construction business, responsible for driving client service delivery, financial and operational performance to achieve the Group’s strategic goals.

He leads a growing capability that embraces innovative construction techniques and advanced technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and quality in the construction and manufacturing industries. 

His experience at The APP Group extends to managing divisions, regions and establishing a successful offshore business for the company. 

Brett excels at building strong relationships with clients and industry partners in order to design and implement bespoke, end-to-end solutions for major programs of work that generate genuine value for clients.

Paul is the Acting Chief Executive of The APP Group’s Energy & Utilities business. 

He holds over 30 years of experience in the delivery of large and complex infrastructure, commercial and operational projects across the energy, transport, defence and industrial sectors.

Over the past three decades, Paul has developed significant expertise in strategic advisory, due diligence, procurement, project delivery and recovery planning, in addition to maintaining trusted relationships with client organisations and leadership to achieve commercial outcomes. 

Paul has a deep understanding of procurement and delivery across all major contract forms including PPP, EPC, D&C, MC, incentive and alliance forms and traditional contracting models. He also brings extensive international experience in establishing and leading teams across regions including Europe, Middle East, South East Asia, Africa and Australia.

Mathew (Mat) leads our Defence business, with responsibility for driving the growth strategy and pursuit opportunities across the industry. 

Mat has over 30 years’ experience in Defence encompassing numerous operational and industry roles in project delivery, capability development and facility upgrades. Prior to joining The APP Group, Mat was accountable for a large-scale consultancy workforce and has led business development captures for test and evaluation ranges. A retired Navy senior officer, he has also held multiple leadership positions including command appointments over naval establishments and at-sea aviation capabilities. 

Mat holds an Executive MBA, Master of Maritime Policy and Master of Defence Studies. He is a Chartered Manager, Fellow of the Institute of Managers & Leaders and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

As Chief Development Officer, Sallyann leads the strategic growth of The APP Group by leveraging its market presence in existing sectors whilst developing new opportunities through origination, new market, sectors, services solutions, and partner engagement strategies.

With more than 20 years of senior leadership and strategy experience, Sallyann takes a pivotal role in developing strategically aligned projects and establishing new client relationships. She has a proven track record in building and leading growth strategies in the property, infrastructure, and technology industries.  

Leigh is the Chief People Officer of The APP Group, leading the full range of human resources functions including organisational strategy, leadership, culture workplace, performance, reward and talent management.  

He prides himself on the ability to take complex issues and create simple, yet impactful solutions. His passion and genuine interest in thriving people will help The APP Group compete as an industry-leading employer.  

Leigh is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute, accredited in various leadership and culture diagnostics and has more than 20 years of human resources management and leadership training. 

Ben is a seasoned strategic business and marketing leader with over 20 years’ experience in property and infrastructure, including 10 years at the senior management level.  

With a depth and breadth of experience across strategy marketing, client engagement, communications, and development management, Ben applies his advanced strategic and creative skillsets to create meaningful and engaging experiences for clients, partners, and other key stakeholders, including leading the change that future-shapes organisations.