Aurecon named one of Australia’s Most Innovative Companies for 10 consecutive years
For 10 years, Aurecon has been named in the AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies list, reflecting the company's sustained investment innovation.
Change your location to view content tailored for you.
Two Senior Consultants from asia pacific design, engineering, and advisory company Aurecon have been recognised at the Australian Defence Magazine’s (ADM) 30 under 30 Awards.
Matilda Thomas-Smith and Nikhil Ramanathan made the 30 under 30 list for their team leadership and outstanding contributions they have made to Defence industry.
The ADM 30 under 30 Awards recognises and celebrates all individuals across Australia working in Defence, defence industry or in a defence centred public service role and the impact that these future leaders have made through their achievements and innovation.
Damon Howes, Defence Managing Director at Aurecon, emphasised the significance of this recognition within the broader context of Aurecon being a company that values its people and performance, stating:
“We are a company that values our people and proactively provides opportunities to recognise talent, performance and their commitment to our clients and the industries they operate in. It was a real pleasure to celebrate in-person bringing together our nominated individuals, their line managers and our clients to acknowledge Matilda Thomas-Smith and Nikhil Ramanathan's achievements and demonstrated alignment with the values Aurecon shares with Defence.”
Attended and supported by the Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, who reinforced that young people are the future of Australia’s entire Defence sector and how important it is for companies to value and provide young leaders with opportunities to thrive.
Matilda Thomas-Smith is the Construction Portfolio Lead in Victoria and has been working on the Defence Estate under the Project Delivery Services (PDS) program since 2018.
Leading a team of Project Managers, Matilda is passionate about delivering successful projects for Defence across the South East Zone, while also developing her team’s confidence and project management abilities.
She was also selected to participate in the award-winning joint Defence Aurecon Ascend Program in 2022, an evidence-based, best-practice professional development program designed to help high performing, high potential female leaders excel in their careers.
“I hope to inspire and support other women working in the Defence sector and help them further build their confidence, connections and understanding within Defence. My long-term aspiration is to be considered a role model and leave a positive legacy for those around me,” Matilda Thomas-Smith said.
Nikhil Ramanathan is the Design and Delivery Portfolio Lead in Western Australia, delivering the Aurecon Project Delivery Services (PDS) program for the Department of Defence’s Estate Works Program.
Through his background in both Mechanical Engineering and Project Management, Ramanathan manages all the stages of a project lifecycle, from scoping and feasibility through construction and handover.
Beyond his role, Ramanathan is passionate about supporting the Defence industry through his volunteer work. He recently participated in the 2023 Soldier On March On challenge to help create awareness and raise funds for Soldier On to support veterans and their families. Ramanathan participated in the Aurecon team contributing to Aurecon’s achievement of helping raise AUD 30,001.
“I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with Defence stakeholders to help deliver capability outcomes and look forward to applying my knowledge to assist the planning and delivery of future works in Western Australia,” Ramanathan said.
Group Director, Brand, Marketing & Communications
For 10 years, Aurecon has been named in the AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies list, reflecting the company's sustained investment innovation.
Aurecon Design Academy wins Best in Class at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, celebrating the company's decade-long investment in developing its people.
Aurecon wins multiple honours at Engineers Australia's state and territory Excellence Awards, including Project of the Year for Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
