Our Team

Steve Facer

Most of his experience comes from working overseas with large multinationals in the field of agricultural chemistry. In a lucky brain snap, returned to Australia in 2002 and bought Chess Industries. He likes positive, continuous change, asks “What’s the answer?” and enjoys the team environment.

PS Wishes he could play golf better.

Elham Haddo

With a Master degree in Mech. Eng. and some years as Project then Engineering Manager, she combines well her technical and practical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills. Elham very much enjoys continuous learning and is now completing an MBA.

PS Chocolate will always win her smile

Akbar Gilvan

A critical thinker with a Masters in engineering and particular experience in Infrastructure, with a very strong background in larger job Project Management. His years of experience are supported by qualifications in P.M.P. and Six Sigma Green Belt. Akbar’s role is to facilitate engineering coordination of a group of our Project Managers. He particularly excels at achieving positive outcomes for both the client and Chess.
Despite his strong, positive hand at work, his little, and very cute daughter, can generally get the better of him at home.

Bill Demertzis

Bill has a highly energetic and enthusiastic personality who enjoys engaging with clients to solve their issues and provide them with solutions. He is an accomplished and highly effective professional, adept in Project Management and Engineering with an extensive background in the rail industry previously working for UGL and Downer.
Always open to connecting for a conversation – coffee’s on me!

Anoer Abdulwahab

Anoer is the Technical Manager for Chess Engineering (NSW) at Padstow. Raised as an apprentice at Chess, then our team Kellogg supervisor followed by sheet metal shop Foreman and onto Production Manager. Now he is Technical Manager – a role purely dedicated to providing practical solutions to our most key clients. High energy, practicality and engagement characterise his style.

PS Loves collecting, tidiness and Ford muscle cars.

Sergio Torrejon

Sergio is an odd bird – an accountant who is highly people orientated! He loves nothing more than to roll up his sleeves and get into the details of solving whatever the issues may be, and if it involves teamwork, even better.

He has a good level of experience across large multinationals and local SMEs.

On teamwork he says: different people have different opinions enabling better outcomes.

Give him Spanish food any day (Empanadas, Pastel de Choclo).

Lachlan Kelly

Lachlan is a results-driven General Manager with a strong technical background and a focus on delivering turnkey solutions across the mining, defence, and infrastructure sectors. Known for his pragmatic, solution-oriented leadership, Lachlan excels at overcoming complex operational challenges while driving growth and enhancing safety. His hands-on approach and strong business acumen have enabled him to lead high-performing teams and build lasting client relationships. With a deep understanding of both strategy and execution, Lachlan remains engaged at every level—whether steering business operations or refining his technical expertise.

With a passion for innovation and technology, you’ll often find him immersed in 3D printing, casting, or forging in his spare time.

Daniella

Daniella is a highly engaged HR manager with a bright and cheery attitude, no matter the workload. Apart from a diploma in H.R., she has also completed a psychology degree and masters in psychotherapy.

Her significant impact comes from her all-round generalist HR skills. However, she clearly excels at engaging and developing individual staff.

Daniella risks being our company “workaholic” as she lists her main hobby as work!
Sadly, another chocolate aficionado but disappointedly, calls white chocolate, chocolate as well.