Construcciones Yamaro: Mario Russo leads McConnell Dowell’s vision for growth
As a strategic powerhouse and a champion of construction excellence, Mario Russo is set to lead McConnell Dowell into a new era of growth and innovation in Australia.
With a wealth of experience and a keen strategic mindset, Mario Russo has advanced from a graduate to a leader recognised for his successful project deliveries and deep expertise across various sectors and regions. His passion for people‑centric leadership and clear vision for the future position him to elevate McConnell Dowell’s Australian operations.
Russo’s ascent to leadership was defined by pivotal moments that shaped his approach to project and business management. His professional journey began with a degree in mining engineering at the University of South Australia, but a significant experience in an underground Queensland mine led him to reconsider his path.
“The realities of the mining lifestyle, particularly the extended periods away from family, led me to reconsider my future,” says Russo.
This realisation prompted him to pivot towards civil engineering, leading him to Built Environs. After delivering several key projects with the company, his career took a significant turn when McConnell Dowell partnered with Built Environs to deliver the Techport Australia Common User Facility. It was during this project that Mario Russo encountered some of the most influential figures in his career, including Jim Frith, a project manager at McConnell Dowell, whom he would eventually succeed as managing director.
“Following this, McConnell Dowell acquired Built Environs, which is now our building business unit,” says Russo. “So, I like to say that I have been with the same company for my entire career, as both companies are now part of the same organisation.”
“Since university, I’ve delivered numerous incredible projects across various locations, mostly in South Australia, but also on the Ravensthorpe Nickel Project in Western Australia and the Port Capacity Project – Maritime Works Package in Victoria.
“I never specialised in just one discipline; I worked on civil infrastructure, marine projects, mechanical work and much more. This broad scope of experience allowed me to gain a diverse set of skills.”
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Russo quickly established himself as a trusted leader, with his first major role as a project manager for the Riverbank Precinct Pedestrian Bridge in Adelaide in 2013.
“I think your first project as a project manager is a highlight for most people in our industry,” says Russo. “Although not a large project, the Riverbank Precinct Pedestrian Bridge was complex with many stakeholders and a spectacular structure.”
This project marked a significant period in Russo’s professional and personal life, coinciding with the birth of his second son.
“Over time, I’ve gained a lot from projects like these, especially seeing how people use and benefit from them,” he says. “There aren’t many industries where you get to build things that actually shape cities and impact people’s lives.”
In 2015, McConnell Dowell won the O-Bahn City Access Project in Adelaide, Russo’s final role as a project manager before transitioning to national leadership. Recognising his potential, the company appointed him as state manager for South Australia, a position he held briefly before the business’s operations were restructured and regionalised.
“We introduced general managers in various regions, and I stepped into the role of regional manager for South Australia and Western Australia, becoming part of the national leadership team, a position I held for four years,” says Russo. “This was a pivotal point leading to where we are now.”
“The seeds that were planted on that project, and the one that followed, were real turning points for our business and proud moments.”
After 20 years with the company, Mario Russo was appointed managing director of Australia at the beginning of this year. “I love the business, I love the industry and I’m particularly proud to have the opportunity to lead from South Australia,” he says.
In his new role, Russo has ambitious plans for McConnell Dowell’s Australian operations, focusing on empowering people, fostering creativity and delivering meaningful value to clients and communities. He embodies the company’s tagline, ‘Creative Construction,’ by actively encouraging innovative solutions and cultivating a rewarding and stimulating environment for McConnell Dowell employees.
“Our group purpose is ‘Providing a Better Life,’ as everything we deliver ultimately benefits the community,” he explains. “From a leadership standpoint, connecting our work’s impact to the people we serve – whether employees, end users or communities – guides how we make decisions about the projects we pursue and how we execute them.”
Russo’s vision is to firmly establish McConnell Dowell as the partner of choice, particularly for technically complex projects. This means consistently providing expertise and value across all locations, with a strong focus on collaboration and a partnering approach. Deep collaboration with customers and partners has become a hallmark of McConnell Dowell’s culture. This is especially true in technically complex jobs where the company’s in-house engineering capabilities come to the fore.
“Our teams handle temporary works, design, fabrication and verification, enabling us to bring meaningful expertise to collaborative engagements,” Russo explains. “This is exactly where we want to be positioned in the market, and it requires us to present the right expertise to add real value.”
By promoting early contractor involvement and upfront engagement in solution development, McConnell Dowell aims to de‑risk projects from the start. Looking ahead, the company is targeting specific regions and sectors for growth. Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales all present unique opportunities, particularly in renewable energy, water infrastructure, marine and defence projects.
“Renewables and energy sectors are significant growth areas, though it remains to be seen which technologies will come out on top,” Russo says. “Concerns exist about how long it may take to move these projects into the construction phase, particularly when compared to the well-established process of traditional infrastructure projects.”
“We need the government to cut through some of the red tape and establish solid policies to help these projects move forward.
“But with energy comes the need for enabling infrastructure. Offshore wind is a prime example. We’re aiming to build the supporting infrastructure for offshore wind – like wharves and jetties – and explore further opportunities in this space.”
Tasmania presents exciting opportunities, particularly with McConnell Dowell’s delivery of the New Bridgewater Bridge, a notable engineering achievement. The project has tapped into local capability, resulting in significant upskilling in the region. The company aims to continue delivering projects in Tasmania to maximise these upskilling and employment benefits for the state.
In New South Wales, McConnell Dowell is completing several projects and seeking new opportunities. The company’s leadership in the state is stronger than ever, with a first-class team committed to making a meaningful impact, particularly in the transport sector.
McConnell Dowell also has a strong foothold in the water infrastructure sector, entering its second four-year contract with SA Water and aiming to expand its presence in New South Wales and Victoria, while continuing to deliver a strong pipeline of water works in Queensland.
“Defence infrastructure is another emerging sector,” says Russo. “While we haven’t traditionally been a major player directly for the Department of Defence, we have been involved through other delivery models and contractors.”
“We are now making a strong push to enter the defence infrastructure market directly. Between New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, there’s a massive portfolio of defence marine infrastructure work on the horizon.
“Marine infrastructure is really in our DNA. So, we’re eager to tap into those opportunities and service those projects.”
In Australia, achieving and sustaining greater diversity across regions and market sectors is a key priority. While McConnell Dowell has maintained a national presence, Mario Russo emphasises that the long-term goal is to create a more evenly distributed business across the country. He aims to increase McConnell Dowell’s participation in Western Australia and Queensland, expand further into New South Wales, and continue excelling in Victoria and South Australia.
“We don’t aspire to be the largest construction company in Australia,” says Russo. “Our goal is to focus on highly complex work that keeps our people engaged and motivated, ensuring solid returns for our shareholders while creating a rewarding work environment.”
With Mario Russo at the helm, McConnell Dowell is well-positioned to achieve these goals, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.
The post Mario Russo leads McConnell Dowell’s vision for growth appeared first on Inside Construction.
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