About us

Vic Zaitounian

Engineering Manager

Vic is a NSW Licensed Builder and qualified Engineer with 15 years’ experience in all aspects of the Building, Remedial and insurance industry. Vic has proven leadership skills and a strong technical background. He has proven to be capable of running multiple projects simultaneously and experienced at managing site teams and subcontractors, planning and co-ordinating works and equipment, estimating and ensuring compliance with WHS requirements. Vic possesses strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and liaise with clients and management stakeholders at all levels. Through performing roles of Project Manager in a multitude of projects over the past 11 years, Vic has acquired a deep knowledge of all facets of construction works, with strong attention to detail and a successful track record in completing projects on time and on budget.

Andrew Harrison

General Manager

With 25 years of experience, Andrew is a seasoned senior leader renowned for his strategic vision and commitment to delivering both safety and financial excellence. Throughout his career, Andrew has built a strong track record of leading large-scale operations across Australia achieving exceptional results through operational efficiency, safety, and business growth. Andrew holds a reputation for creating value in relationships with both internal and external partners, as well as driving continuous improvement through data-driven initiatives that propel business success.

Andrew’s experience in leading national operations with 1000+ people, along with his strategic thinking and passion for achieving business success provide a great platform for delivering positive outcomes for ARA Building.

Mark Surtees

Construction Manager

Mark Surtees brings over 26 years of industry experience to his role as Construction Manager in the Commercial sector. Beginning as a carpenter, his reliability and driven nature has led him to his current senior position at AIB. Marks vast knowledge spans from residential, remedial & commercial construction, and he is currently specialising in servicing Tier One clients such as the wastewater industry. The diligence Mark treats these critical infrastructure projects with is noted by not only the clients, but within ARA’s Building reputation.

Marcus Kemp

Construction Manager

Marcus has over 16 years of experience in the construction industry in varying fields and roles. Starting as a carpenter, he has worked within the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Marcus has worked in the Residential Insurance Building division as a Supervisor, before moving to his current role as a Building Services Construction Manager for the Commercial Division. His expertise and competence means he delivers quality results when working with high-stake commercial clients.

These jobs require strict adherence to budget, timeframes, and compliance with safety regulations and building codes. Marcus approaches all jobs with a hands-on mindset – on site, with trades, while the project is carried out. Marcus ability to collaborate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients has fostered strong relationships within the industry and led to successful project outcomes.

Steve James

Asssessor Manager

Steve has been in the building industry for over 25 years and insurance building industry for last 12 years. Steve made his start in carpentry, the trade he practiced for over 15 years, before moving to insurance building. He progressed from supervisor/assessor to now being the Assessor & Repair Manager while managing major loss and complex claims — the role he has now held for the last seven years. He is well known and respected within the Insurance Building industry.

Steve’s experience across these industries and roles is what defines him as an effective manager and team leader — the person turned to when addressing complex claims or unique situations. Steve approaches his role with a heavy focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

Paige McDonald

Operations Manager

Paige brings over 19 years of experience working in the building industry, along with more than 10 years of experience managing staff and operations. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the insurance division and is dedicated to developing operational strategies that align with business goals while ensuring exceptional service delivery.

Results-oriented, Paige values achievements that contribute to the overall success of the business — balancing clients and employees alike.

Philippa Tapfield

General Manager of Insurance Building

Philippa was an original member of the AIB team and has assisted with the growth and development of the business over two decades. With over 30 years management experience, Philippa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Staffordshire University and commenced her career in the advertising industry in the UK. When Philippa left advertising for the building industry, she brought acumen, discernment, and insight which has been vital to the strong team relationship.

Greg Farrugia

Construction Manager

Prior to UBS being acquired by ARA Building Services, Greg joined UBS as a junior supervisor with 6 years’ experience in shopfitting and joinery within the commercial building industry. Greg worked his way up to now manage the construction and restoration division of the company.
Greg has completed his builder’s licence and has become a class 2 building practitioner who is highly trained in safety on building and construction sites. He is driven by the desire to give other people the opportunity he has in growing a successful company and seeing it achieve milestone after milestone.

Greg is a keen soccer player, with 30 years at the same club some say it’s a love affair. He is now coaching his son’s soccer team as well as playing every Saturday. 

Matt Cox

Director of Insurance Building

Since 1990, Matt has worked in the construction industry, starting with commercial building companies in London, UK. He progressed from a site foreman of civil works to a site/project manager of commercial building projects in both the UK and Sydney, Australia.

In 2006, Matt managed his first interstate CAT event for a national insurance builder, marking his entry into the insurance rebuilding industry. He saw a market opportunity for an insurance builder focused on quality work and strong client relationships.

Matt grew his business, UBS, which was acquired by ARA Building Services in 2023. Originally a small Sydney-only business, UBS now services NSW and will expand into ACT and QLD in 2024, with over $130 million in revenue completed to date.

Candice Webb

Qld State Manager

With over 18 years of experience in Insurance and Restoration, Candice is the QLD State Manager for Advanced Buildings and Restorations. She specializes in overseeing complex projects with a focus on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and effective risk management.

Candice leads teams to deliver high-quality results under challenging conditions, ensuring swift and efficient service for policyholders. Her commitment to strong client relationships and expertise in regulatory compliance and process optimization drive the growth and reputation of Advanced Buildings and Restorations across QLD.

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Nathan Dale

Director of Multi Trade

Nathan is an experienced executive with over 15 years as a CEO. He is the Founder and Director of Intact Group, now Director of Multi Trade for ARA Building Services. Nathan grew Intact Group from the ground up, earning recognition through the Telstra Business Awards as NSW Business of the Year and Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Nathan chairs The Primary Club, a charity providing physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities. He is also passionate about animal conservation and cricket, combining these interests through “Last Male Standing,” an annual event promoting rhino conservation and physical education in Kenya.

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Gary Sherringham

Director of Fit-out

With 45 years in the fitout/refurbishment sector, Gary has extensive knowledge and a history of repeat clients. Since ARA Group acquired Lexicom Constructions, where Gary was Managing Director, he has driven all ARA Building’s projects. His trades team, who have worked together for over 10 years, contribute to his success in the Building and Construction Industry.

Managing projects up to $5M and working with clients like JLL, Goldman Sachs, CBA, Suncorp, Westfund, and CMFEU, Gary’s understanding of the built environment comes from years of on-site experience. His logical approach to developing programs and his ability to plan and execute ensure projects are always delivered on time. Known for his success, honest approach, and clear communication, Gary has built a long list of loyal repeat customers.

Terry Kranidis

Operations Manager

Terry has over 40 years of experience in the building and construction industry and has been with the ARA Building Services team since 2014. Throughout his career, Terry has held various roles, including fit out, insurance, restorations, facility management, and remedial work.

He is a licensed builder with a broad range of knowledge and qualifications, such as an accredited building consultant with the Master Builders’ Association, a Certificate IV in Building with the Master Builders Association of NSW, a Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery, and an IICRC Certificate. Terry is known for his organizational skills and his ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

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Grant Taylor

NSW State Manager

Grant is a values driven and inspirational executive leader with over 30 years’ experience. He has held executive leadership roles covering Distribution, Claims and Underwriting across several leading insurance companies. Grant is now the NSW & ACT State Manager of Advanced Buildings. He has advanced leadership, communication, and relationship management capabilities that have led to the establishment of highly engaged teams and cultures.

Through a combination of strong business acumen, strategic foresight and deep operational experience has delivered transformational change in P&L, sales revenue, cost reduction, structural re-organisation, cultural change and customer service.

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Annlouise Michels

HSEQ Manager

Annlouise has more than seven years’ experience in the facilities maintenance and the safety, quality and environmental management industry. Joining ARA Building Services as Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator in 2016 and now HSEQ Manager. Annlouise drives workplace health and safety, quality assurance and environmental management for ARA Building Services’ multiple locations across of Australia and is instrumental in the success of the organisation’s compliance management approach. With a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Behavioural Sciences and a Diploma of Work, Health and Safety, Annlouise has a strong academic background and an in-depth knowledge and experience in health safety, environmental and quality assurance, with a high standard of onsite safety practices.

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Todd Tapfield

General Manager of Insurance Building

The founder of Australia’s Insurance Builders, Todd Tapfield began his trade as a carpenter and now has over 30 years experience as a licensed builder. With extensive building and restoration knowledge, Todd saw the need for a reputable building company within the insurance rectification industry. This was balanced with a strong presence in the facilities maintennace sector.

This foresight and Todd’s astuteness led the company to the level it is today. Todd continues to lead the team and be heaviliy involved in moving the business forward.

Megan Governi

Victoria State Manager

With over 15 years in the insurance building industry, Megan has held various leadership and executive roles. She began as a Finance Manager with a large national insurance builder, gaining a deep understanding of business success drivers. Her passion for leadership led her to roles such as National Claims Manager, Head of Client, and State Manager, where she has excelled for the past 8 years.

Megan advocates for a human-led management approach, believing that an engaged, motivated team is key to outstanding results. Her leadership style fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture where staff feel valued and empowered. Megan’s extensive experience managing diverse teams across multiple states gives her a unique perspective on success. She is committed to providing exceptional customer outcomes, viewing this as the ultimate measure of success.

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Matthew Currie

National Maintenance Manager

Matthew has more than 20 years’ experience in both the facilities and construction industries. Early in his career, Matt owned and operate a national multi-trade business with more than 150 staff. Acquired by the ARA Group for the ARA Property Services business in 2018, Matt joined the ARA Group and moved across to the ARA Building Services business in 2020. Since this move, ARA Building Services has seen year on year growth with outstanding results. A self-starter, Matt has built his skills and knowledge across many sectors including industrial, commercial, retail and more recently the public transport sector. Matt has a strong ability to manage multiple projects from inception to completion – a skill that sets ARA Building Services apart and ensures future success.

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Kelly Alcorn

General Manager, ARA Thermoscan

Kelly has more than 25 years’ financial and operations management experience and is an expert user in a number of financial and CRM systems. Commencing her career in a small accounting firm in Christchurch, she moved as finance and office manager into the advertising industry which took her across New Zealand. After moving to Australia, Kelly worked as a financial controller and office manager across various companies reporting directly to company directors. Commencing with Thermoscan in 2010 as a part-time bookkeeper, Kelly quickly moved into the role of Operations Manager. In 2015, Kelly took over the reigns as Thermoscan’s General Manager. During her time with Thermoscan, Kelly has onboarded three new acquisitions to the business and has also steered the business through the process of joining the ARA Group.

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