John Grill AO has over 40 years’ experience in the resources and energy industry, starting his career with Esso Australia. In 1971, he became chief executive of Wholohan Grill and Partners, the entity that ultimately became WorleyParsons. This specialized consulting practice acquired the business of Worley Engineering in Australia in 1987. It listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 2002 as Worley Group following a restructuring of that company. In 2004, Worley Group acquired Parsons E&C Corporation, a US-based global project services company, and changed its name to WorleyParsons. The Group then acquired the Colt Group in Canada in 2007, substantially increasing its capability in the upstream and downstream components of oil sands. Mr Grill has personal expertise in every aspect of project delivery in the resources and energy industry. He has strong relationships with the Group's major customers and was closely involved at board level with its joint ventures. Mr Grill was awarded an honorary doctorate by The University of Sydney in 2010 in recognition of his contribution to the engineering profession. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for distinguished service to engineering and to business, to the minerals, energy and power supply industries and as a supporter of advanced education and training. Mr Grill is chair of Neuroscience Research Australia. He has been chair of the Growth Centre Advisory Board for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science since February 2015.
