Neale Tomlin Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Hydrowood

Hydrowood is proud to announce the appointment of Neale Tomlin as Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant chapter in the company’s evolution.

Neale brings more than two decades of executive and project leadership experience across infrastructure, logistics, marine construction, tourism, mining and government. His commercial acumen, strategic foresight and deep connection to Tasmania’s west coast make him uniquely equipped to lead Hydrowood through its next phase of growth.

He joins Hydrowood from TasRail, where he held senior executive roles including Executive General Manager – Commercial & Strategy and most recently, Manager of Strategic Projects & Sustainability. There, Neale secured more than $400 million in infrastructure funding, led transformative supply chain initiatives and developed commercial strategies in fast-growing markets like forestry and mining.

A skilled negotiator and strategist, Neale has worked extensively at the intersection of government policy and private enterprise — representing organisations at parliamentary hearings, leading national funding negotiations, and overseeing high-impact commercial marine and logistics projects.

Importantly, Neale is no stranger to Hydrowood. As Operations Manager during the business’ formative phase, he oversaw the design, contracting and commissioning of a globally unique underwater timber harvesting vessel — laying the foundations for Hydrowood’s success today.

“Returning to Hydrowood is both a professional and personal privilege,” said Neale. “Few companies combine technical ingenuity, material beauty and environmental legacy the way Hydrowood does. I’m excited to work with our exceptional team to grow our impact and deliver this remarkable timber to design professionals across Australia and beyond.”

Neale holds a Bachelor of Arts and First Class Honours in Environmental Studies from the University of Tasmania, where his early research focused on the economic value of access to Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Backed by an accomplished team and a world-class product, Hydrowood is poised to deepen its leadership in the architectural timber market — offering designers, builders and makers a story-rich, premium material with unmatched provenance.

Please join us in welcoming Neale back to Hydrowood.