Our Leadership Team

At Wallis, our people have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.

Mark Crumby

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Mark joined Wallis in 2009 following ten years in executive roles at the ANZ Banking Group.

Relevant Qualifications & Memberships

  • Masters of Business Administration
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Member of the Australian Institute of Directors

Grant Wallis

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Grant has more than 20 years' experience with Wallis Drilling in management roles. He has managed the Iron Ore, Mine Services, International and Exploration drilling divisions. Grant transitioned into the role of Chief Operations Officer in November 2021, having accountability for the operational and administrative functions of the business and then into the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in February 2023.

Relevant Qualifications & Memberships

  • Bachelor of Business from Edith Cowan University
  • Cert IV in Business (Frontline Management), Training Services Australia
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Member Australian Drilling Industry Association (ADIA)
  • Council Member Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC)
  • Senior Executive MBA (SEMBA), Melbourne Business School

Nigel Cottrill

Chief Financial Officer

Nigel joined Wallis as an accountant in 2000. In 2008 he transitioned to CFO.

Relevant Qualifications & Memberships

  • Bachelor of Business from Edith Cowan University
  • The Tax Institute

Kim Wallis

Drilling Manager - Exploration

Kim Wallis has over 17 years of experience with Wallis Drilling, currently serving as the Drilling Manager - Exploration. During his time at Wallis Drilling, Kim has also led Wallis's Coal Seam Gas Drilling Division in Queensland and their International Division, managing contracts in Zambia, Kenya, South Africa, Madagascar, and Chile. Kim has served on the WA Committee of the ADIA (Australian Drilling Industry Association), contributing to the advancement and advocacy of the drilling industry in Western Australia.

Before joining Wallis Drilling, he gained valuable experience in the IT industry, working for a tier one stockbroking and law firm.

A retired commissioned officer in the Australian Army, Kim brings a wealth of leadership and strategic planning skills to his role. He also has a strong commitment to community service, having served on the board of the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club. Under his leadership, the club achieved a state award, reflecting his dedication to excellence and community engagement.

Kim holds a Graduate Certificate of Business from UWA (University of Western Australia), which has further enhanced his managerial and business acumen.

Brendan Moran

Engineering & Maintenance Manager

Brendan joined Wallis in 1986 as a tradesperson. In 1993 he became maintenance supervisor and transitioned to his current role in 1998.

Relevant Qualifications & Memberships

  • Diesel and Heavy Earthmoving Fitter

Chris Verran

Drilling Manager – Iron Ore & MINE SERVICES

Chris joined Wallis Drilling in 2005 as an Offsider and commenced as a Driller from 2006. In 2013 he became HSE & Training Advisor. He transitioned to HSE & Business Services Manager in 2015, then Drilling Manager for Iron Ore in 2021.

Relevant Qualifications & Memberships

  • Diploma of Drilling
  • Diploma of Work Health and Safety
  • Diploma of Business Administration
  • Diploma of Human Resources
  • Cert IV of Front-Line Leadership
  • Cert IV in Training and Assessment
  • Integrated Systems Lead auditor
  • ICAM Lead Investigator
  • AMEC Safety Committee member (Since 2014)

Patrick Owen

HSEQT Manager

Patrick joined Wallis Drilling in 2020 and became HSEQT Manager in 2021. He has 10 years' experience in the property and construction industry, where his responsibilities included Health, Safety, Environment, Quality and Training functions. Prior to this, Patrick worked in the Banking industry for 12 years.

Relevant Qualifications & Memberships

  • Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety
  • Integrated Management Systems Lead Auditor
  • ICAM Lead Investigator
  • Introduction to Vocational & Educational Training
  • Bachelor of Economics (UWA)
  • Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance & Investment (FINSIA)
  • AMEC WA Safety Committee

Frances O'Grady

Human Resources Manager

Frances joined Wallis in 2014 and has over 20 years' experience across all facets of Human Resources, primarily in the mining sector with companies including Westrac, Macmahon Construction and Plantman.

Relevant Qualifications & Memberships

  • Diploma in Business
  • Advanced Diploma in Human Resources ­Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management
  • Advanced Diploma Work Health and Safety
  • Certificate in Quality Assurance
  • Certified QA Auditor
  • Workplace Counselling
  • CCIWA