Downer EDI's Board has announced its appointment of a new Deputy Chairman in the person of Mike Harding today, starting July 1, 2010. Currently, Mr. Harding is non-executive director of Santos Ltd. and chairman of Clough Ltd. He had also held various administrative positions with British Petroleum. Since July 2008, Downer has had him as Director.

Downer EDI also appointed Grant Thorne as Non-Executive Director, and Grant Fenn as Finance Director. Like Harding's appointment, it will be effective starting next month.

Peter Jollie, Chairman of Downer, said that Dr. Thorne provides extensive experience and expertise in the resources industry sector which is a significant growth point for Downer.

Mr. Jollie remarked, "Dr Thorne is currently a group executive reporting to Rio Tinto's Chief Executive Officer and brings 35 years of experience in the mining and extraction industry, specifically in senior operational and executive roles across a broad range of product groups and functional activities in Australia and overseas."

Although Mr. Fenn is already Downer's chief financial officer, his appointment as Finance Director indicates that Downer is committed to boost the company's leadership.

Downer EDI provides comprehensive infrastructure and engineering management services across various technology sectors in New Zealand, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and in the UK.