Alumni News

Laine Arrowsmith (Sydney Business Development Manager/Client Relationship Manager, until 2021) has been promoted to Senior PMO Business and Strategy Analyst at global science, technology and engineering solutions company, KBR, Inc. Laine has over 17 years cross-sector experience spanning infrastructure, energy, and technology and is known for her strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement and her ability to drive 'delivery confidence' across complex programmes. Her career highlights include key roles in major coal terminal expansions, global account management for technology clients and PMO strategy development. In her current role, Laine focuses on enabling enterprise growth, enhancing governance frameworks, and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What motivates you at KBR, and what do you enjoy most about your work?

I’m driven by the opportunity to shape how infrastructure programmes are delivered, not by the normal systems and frameworks approach, but by aligning strategy, people and performance. I enjoy working across diverse teams to unlock value, improve governance, and deliver the outcomes that matter to clients and communities.

Can you share an example of a project that has had a lasting impact on you?

I can’t share specific project details, which are confidential, but one of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been coaching and enhancing business development and client engagement skills across our technical teams. Supporting the growth and professional maturity of team members, from curious graduates to seasoned professionals, has been so fulfilling. Watching them apply the skills they’ve learned, build strong client relationships, generate revenue, and ultimately mentor others using their own experiences has been a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have on each other’s careers. That kind of progression and knowledge-sharing is something I find genuinely inspiring.

How do you foster collaboration and adaptability within your teams?

I focus on creating a culture of clarity, trust and shared accountability. Collaboration is embedded through structured onboarding, transparent communication and cross-functional engagement to align technical delivery with strategic outcomes.

I work closely with the team leads to build capability in terms of client engagement and commercial awareness, ensuring our technical experts are empowered to contribute beyond their discipline.
Adaptability is fostered through continuous learning, scenario planning, and by encouraging a mindset of curiosity and resilience. When people understand the ‘why’ behind their work and feel supported to challenge, evolve and lead, you begin to see the real transformation.

Reflecting on your time at Ashurst…

Ashurst was foundational to my growth, not just professionally, but in how I approach leadership, client outcomes and caring for the team of people that are working alongside you. I’m especially grateful to Lisa Ritson, Tim Brookes and Kellech Smith, whose mentorship and example demonstrated what true leadership in practice looks like. Their commitment to excellence and integrity continues to shape how I show up in every role.

Carla Purcell (Melbourne Lawyer until 2013) has recently been appointed Managing Director of South East Water in Melbourne. South East Water is one of Australia's largest water utilities, providing water and sanitation services to over 1.7 million people in Victoria.

Given her experience as a CEO and COO in complex, asset-intensive organisations, Carla is able to understand the business drivers to initiate, design and deliver transformational initiatives to optimise business performance, while delivering for customers in a way that is consistent with stakeholder objectives.

Congratulations to Christopher Henley (London Solicitor until 2004), who received the 2025 Insurance Institute of London's President’s Award at its Gala Dinner in the Tower of London in April. Christopher received the award primarily for his contribution to its Research Studies Group, which he chaired for 20 years, but also for his books, The Law of Insurance Broking, All Risks Property Insurance and Drafting Insurance Contracts. He is the only person to have won this Award twice – and almost certainly the only person to have received it two years into retirement!

Fraser Davies (Brisbane Associate until 2021) has been promoted to Senior Legal Counsel at GRS. Fraser’s expertise in construction and energy transition projects has seen him play a pivotal role in the development of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.

Stephen Tudjman (Sydney Legal Counsel until 2021) has recently taken on the role of Governance Manager & Committee Secretary at Australian Payments Plus. With a background in governance, compliance and legal leadership, Stephen is well placed to support the evolving payments landscape in Australia.