Our leadership

Joe Bartolo, founder of the Symal Group, has played a crucial role in shaping the business’ strategic direction since its inception. His leadership has been central to the business’ consistent financial performance, marked by revenue growth year over year. Joe’s strategy focuses on both organic growth and key acquisitions, enhancing Symal Group’s capabilities and market presence. This approach has diversified the business’ revenue streams, strengthened its market position, and established a solid financial foundation for long‑term sustainability.

Even in challenging market conditions, the business has maintained strong profitability margins under Joe’s leadership, reflecting his careful financial stewardship. His experience in acquisitions and commitment to organic growth have ensured Symal Group’s continued success in a competitive industry.

Beyond financial performance, Joe prioritises company culture and values integrity and relationship‑building as essential components of sustained success. He has cultivated a corporate culture that aligns with long‑term goals, contributing to the business’ ongoing growth and development.

Joe Bartolo is a registered commercial building practitioner.

Andrew Fairbairn joined the Business in 2010 as a Shareholder and Executive Director, playing a key role in the company’s growth. Since joining, he has contributed across all areas of the business, particularly as Director of Governance, Risk and Pre‑Construction, where his involvement in day‑to‑day operations has been essential to the Symal Group’s ongoing success.

Andrew’s leadership in Risk Mitigation, Pre‑Contracts/New Business, and Group Strategy has directly impacted the Business’ strong financial performance. He has been instrumental in integrating business systems that support Symal Group’s extensive growth, helping the Business remain agile and competitive in a dynamic market. Andrew also oversees major pre‑contracts and new business initiatives, ensuring that Symal Group consistently secures high‑value contracts aligned with its growth objectives.

With over 20 years of industry experience, including managerial roles at BMD and John Holland, Andrew brings significant expertise to the Symal Group. His technical background and strategic approach make him a vital part of the executive team, contributing to Symal Group’s continued growth.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from RMIT University, completed in 2005.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Ray Dando is the Director of Strategy, Growth and Delivery at Symal Group. Since becoming a Shareholder and Executive Director in 2010, he has played a critical role in Symal Group’s transformation from modest beginnings to its current position as a dynamic group. Ray’s expertise in strategic acquisitions, business development, and construction management has been pivotal to the Business’ success.

Leveraging his comprehensive industry knowledge, Ray excels in leading teams, implementing effective strategies, and enhancing operational efficiency, all while fostering strong workforce relations.

As Director of Strategy, Growth and Delivery, Ray remains actively involved in day‑to‑day operations, overseeing all construction activities to ensure that projects meet the highest standards.

Driving innovative projects and setting new benchmarks in the construction field, Ray’s commitment to creating a collaborative and dynamic work environment has established him as a respected leader and a key driver of the Business’ continued growth and success.

Ray continues to contribute significantly to the Company’s long‑term vision and operations.

Nabeel Sadaka joined Symal Group as CEO in 2019 and has been instrumental in advancing the Business’ growth strategy. In his role, he is responsible for setting and executing the strategic direction, driving operational excellence, and ensuring long‑term success. Nabeel has played a key role in developing and implementing a policy framework that strengthens governance and operational efficiency.

With over 20 years of industry experience, starting his career with Abigroup Contractors, Nabeel has held senior positions at companies including Downer, and Leighton/Visionstream (now CPB and Ventia). His expertise covers multi‑billion‑dollar projects across sectors such as renewable energy, transport, telecommunications, marine, mining, mechanical/electrical infrastructure, and rail. Under his leadership, Symal Group has successfully expanded into new markets through a focused expansion strategy.

Nabeel’s financial expertise ensures that Symal Group maintains strong financial health and meets its growth objectives. He is actively involved in stakeholder engagement, managing relationships with key clients, partners, and investors. He also oversees financial reporting to the Board, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the organisation.

In addition to his professional role, Nabeel contributes to industry standards and policies and has a published thesis on the siting of wind farms in Australia, highlighting his commitment to sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Structural) with Honours from Swinburne University of Technology.

Geoff Trumbull joined Symal Group as CFO in 2024. He brings extensive executive experience in infrastructure, industrial, and consumer markets, with a background that includes roles at ASX‑listed companies such as Transurban, BlueScope Steel, and AMA Group.

Geoff’s most recent position was CFO at AMA Group. Prior to that, he was General Manager Finance and Regional CFO for Transurban’s NSW operations, including the CFO role for the WestConnex joint venture. His responsibilities have included interfacing with the Board and investors, leading debt restructuring and fundraising, overseeing strategy and business planning, managing M&A transactions, and handling financial reporting.

Geoff holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, is a member of CPA Australia, a Chartered Financial Analyst, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Sandra Costanzo joined Symal Group in 2017 and is General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary. She manages all legal and commercial requirements across the group’s diverse businesses, which include civil and building construction, plant hire and earthworks, quarrying, landfill operations, and construction waste resource recovery.

Sandra provides expert legal advice tailored to the needs of each business unit, ensuring the commercial interests of Symal Group are protected. Her role involves navigating the complexities and nuances of each sector within the group.

Sandra is an admitted Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. She holds a Master of Construction Law from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Laws from La Trobe University. With over 20 years of experience, Sandra has worked in‑house at various construction companies, including Grocon Pty Ltd, Hickory Group Holdings, and Leighton Contractors.

Olivia Bartolo, one of Symal Group’s longest‑serving employees, joined the Symal Group in 2004. She is instrumental in driving Symal Group’s people and culture initiatives, focusing on recruitment, employee engagement, workforce planning, industrial relations, and learning and development.

In addition to her people and culture responsibilities, Olivia plays a key role in risk management and compliance, ensuring the company maintains effective frameworks in these areas.

Her prior experience on the Symal Group’s advisory board, where she provided strategic insights to support the business’s growth and sustainability, further enhances her role as Chief People and Culture Officer.

Olivia holds a Bachelor of Education from Victoria University.

Aristos Karavias joined Sycle in 2023 as CEO, where he oversees the division’s growth, development, and operations. With over 20 years of experience in multinational manufacturing and the resource recovery sector, Aristos is responsible for setting and executing Sycle’s strategic vision, driving innovation, and ensuring operational excellence.

In his role, Aristos leads high‑level decision‑making, fosters key partnerships, and manages financial performance to ensure sustained profitability and growth. His previous experience includes leading large‑scale infrastructure projects across Australia with ResourceCo – Tyrecycle and Repurpose It.

Aristos has also served as an advisor and Chair on various government and industry panels, contributing to policy and industry standards. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours from RMIT University, is a registered building practitioner in Victoria, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Matthew Gurney joined Symal Group in 2015 and oversees the Business’ Major Infrastructure operations across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland.

As Executive General Manager, Matthew is responsible for managing the delivery of major construction contracts in both the public and private sectors. His expertise covers various commercial frameworks, including Design and Construct (D&C), Alliance, Integrated Target Costing (ITC), Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), and subcontracting. Matthew’s extensive experience in civil construction spans sectors such as road and bridge construction, renewable energy, water, defence, rail, aviation, and port infrastructure.

With over 19 years in the construction industry, Matthew has held senior positions at Leighton Contractors and BMD. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from RMIT University, completed in 2005.

Cameron Healy joined Symal Group in 2021 as an Executive Director of Symal Group Contractors and Sycle, contributing to the growth of these divisions.

As Executive General Manager of the Contractors Division, Cameron oversees client management, pre‑contracts, and construction activities within the Building and Construction sector.

With over 20 years of experience in civil construction, Cameron has held senior roles including CEO of Norris Construction Group, Director at Geelong Commercial Waste, and Operations Manager for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from Victoria University, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and has additional qualifications in Business Administration and Management from the Australian Institute of Business.

David Caserta joined Symal Group in 2019 and has since advanced to the role of Executive Director of Unyte.

As Executive General Manager of Unyte, David oversees both strategic direction and day‑to‑day operations. He is responsible for improving operational efficiency, optimising asset utilisation, and ensuring the effective delivery of services across multiple projects. David leads a team, fosters a culture of safety and innovation, and ensures compliance with industry standards and client expectations.

Prior to joining Symal Group, David held engineering roles at Leighton Contractors, where he developed skills in project management, resource allocation, and engineering. His experience spans civil infrastructure, construction, and materials management.

David holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours from Monash University. His technical expertise and leadership significantly contribute to Symal Group’s success.

Steve Cornish joined Symal Group in 2024. In his role as Chief of Strategic Operations, Steve provides strategic oversight across major projects, a national defence business, Indigenous business initiatives, group‑wide procurement, and Symal Group’s plant and logistics operations.

With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry in both the UK and Australia, Steve has managed numerous major projects in Victoria and NSW for companies such as Laing O’Rourke, Transurban, and Thiess. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Major Road Projects Victoria, overseeing the construction of Victoria’s road program.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from Cardiff University. His extensive experience and strategic expertise are vital to Symal Group’s operations and growth.

Michael Lowrie joined Symal Group in 2020 as Chief Operating officer. Following the award of the Eastern Freeway Upgrade: Burke to Tram Alliance project in 2023, Michael has assumed the Group Executive Major Projects Director role, where he oversees and manages the Group’s largest projects.

With a career spanning 34 years, Michael has led and delivered some of Australia’s most significant and complex infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, tunnelling, rail, and water. His extensive experience includes roles at Baulderstone, Abigroup, and John Holland, where he managed major transport and water infrastructure projects across Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand.

Michael is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of industry professionals, contributing to the sustainable growth of Symal Group. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Building) from Victoria University, completed in 1991.