Aconex appoints new non-execs

Melbourne, Australia-based SaaS construction collaboration technology provider, Aconex has appointed two new non-executive directors to its board, and replaced a third (see news release).

Former McKinsey managing partner Adam Lewis brings 20 years’ experience in advising major firms and governments, with a client portfolio including steel, mining, chemicals, retail, telecommunications and retail banking industries. He left McKinsey last year, establishing two advisory firms: Chop Wood Carry Water (a provider of independent advice for corporations), and Cast Professional Services (interim management services provider). Company co-founder Leigh Jasper was a former colleague at McKinsey.

Paul Unruh calls upon 25 years’ experience at US-based construction giant Bechtel, where he managed the company’s service organisations including information systems and technology, finance, legal, external affairs, and shared services, and had a four-year spell as president of Bechtel Enterprises, the project finance, development, and investments arm of the company. Other directorships include roles at Move Inc, Heidrick & Struggles, Symantec Corporation and Telesoft Partners.

The new members join chairman Simon Yencken and existing directors Michael Robinson, Keith Toh, Leigh Jasper and Robert Phillpot on the board. Petri Oksanen, a principal with Aconex shareholder Francisco Partners, has replaced FP colleague Ezra Perlman on the board.

The Aconex board has had a vacancy for some months, following the June 2011 resignation of Martin Hosking after he got embroiled in controversy regarding another business venture, RedBubble. However, these recent changes may disappoint dissident shareholders who had been pressing for the removal of fellow director and lawyer Michael Robinson following allegations of conflict of interest in relation to a company extraordinary general meeting in January (see post).