Paul Urquhart

Navy Service

As a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Marine Engineer, I specialised in the through-life operation and maintenance of Fleet units, both Major and Minor. This included proficiency in all aspects of operating, maintaining, and shut down planning for marine vessels. Adept at ensuring the seamless functioning and longevity of critical fleet assets.

Roles ashore included acting as a Project Manager with a proven track record of successfully leading complex engineering projects to implement configuration changes to ships. In this role I was Proficient in overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of modifications to enhance vessel performance and compliance with regulatory standards.

Whilst serving I continued to develop my technical expertise combined with strategic thinking to identify opportunities for optimisation leading to a move into the management of the navies Asset Management Planning System. During this time, I implemented innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and performance of the system to cater for changes in a dynamic maritime environment.

Through completion of an Information Technology Management diploma, I enhanced my skills, allowing myself to bridge the gap between technical teams and software vendors, and become proficient in understanding engineering requirements and translate them into actionable insights for software development.

Present – Principal consultant Asset
As Principal Consultant at Atos NZ Ltd specialising in asset management systems, I've led strategic initiatives in information management and engineering, notably as the lead designer of our latest Asset Management System. This system, aligned with ISO55000 standards, facilitating, and allowing our customers to implement compliant Asset Management Plans

A major part of my role was managing continual enhancements and improvements of our systems. By actively seeking solutions that address our customers' evolving needs, I ensured that our technology remained relevant and valuable. This commitment to innovation not only enhanced the functionality and performance of our systems but also strengthened our relationships with customers by demonstrating our dedication to their success.

I've supported diverse clients across industries and locations, including navies in Oman, New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia, as well as a wind farm project in India. This experience highlights my ability to collaborate across cultures and engineering disciplines, demonstrating flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and a strong aptitude for interdisciplinary teamwork.

A recent milestone was the successful rollout of our software in the Royal Australian Navy, streamlining operations across nine shore business units and integrating with over 30 deployed units. This showcased my skill in overseeing complex projects and delivering tangible results, driving client satisfaction, and fostering lasting partnerships.

• 2008, Deputy Chief of Navy Commendation - Outstanding performance in Implementing the Certified Items Module for HMNZS Canterbury Rigging Warrant Information
• 2002, Force Commanders Commendation - United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor Peacekeeping Force
• 1990, Chief of Naval Staff Commendation - Paupa New Guinea-Bougainville Peace Talks

Golf - Always struggling to maintain a single figure handicap I never pass up the opportunity to spoil good walk. 

Surfing - Just got back into surfing, preferring the West coast to the East coast