Our Team
Our dedicated team for the brings a wealth of passion and expertise. With a collaborative approach and deep technical knowledge, we leverage our extensive experience and industry contacts to deliver practical and sustainable solutions tailored specifically for our clients.
Ryan McKenzie
Managing Director
Ryan McKenzie is the Managing Director of Volta Advisory, leading client engagements and company growth & operations. Recognised as a Certified Practising Project Director and Fellow by the Australian Institute of Energy, Ryan brings over 16 years of experience leading diverse teams. He excels in strategic leadership, major project development and delivery, and power systems engineering within the renewable energy, utilities and transport sectors.
With a wide network across major projects, utilities, construction, government, developers and startups in the energy sector, Ryan excels at connecting the dots. From on-site commissioning roles, to project delivery, strategic planning and advisory services, Ryan has experience across diverse facets of the energy transition. His blend of leadership, techno-commercial brilliance, and project management skills enable him to achieve results without compromising on relationships or integrity.
When he’s not working, Ryan is hanging out with his family, playing tennis or hunting down good food.
JJ Wang
Director, Energy Advisory and Operations
As a Director and co-founder of Volta Advisory, JJ is deeply involved in all aspects of the business. Overseeing Volta's operations, this includes engagement delivery, marketing, sales, finance, leadership and proposals. With over 16 years of experience in project management and leadership roles, JJ excels at steering project outcomes, navigating the complexities of project execution and ensuring objectives are met with innovation and strategic insight.
Her experience spans people leadership, strategic workforce planning, project delivery, human resources, and change management across sectors including Major Projects, Renewable Energy, Manufacturing, Energy & Resources, and Higher Education.
Beyond work, JJ is equally passionate about keeping fit on the Peloton as she is about being in nature, and is a big fan of true crime podcasts.
Sam Wanniarachchi
Project Delivery Manager
Sam is a commercially strategic Project Delivery Manager, boasting proven experience in spearheading projects within the Power System, Utilities and Energy Storage industries. With experience across a number of Tier 1 Contractors, Sam delivers projects from inception to completion.
Excelling in stakeholder engagement, simultaneous project management, and end-to-end execution, Sam is an expert in scheduling, strategic planning, financial analysis, and proposal preparation.
With a strong focus on prioritising client satisfaction, Sam’s skills span across hands-on project management skills, contractor management, and a successful track record in commissioning.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing guitar, video games, and travelling.
Joe Billich
Manager, Project Development and Engineering
Joe is our Manager of Project Development and Engineering, specialising in the development and delivery of large-scale electrical infrastructure and power systems projects in rail, utilities and renewable energy industries.
Joe is skilled in navigating projects with multi-disciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders including utilities, construction partners, engineering design houses, and councils, as well as driving technical teams toward achieving significant operational improvements.
Joe is skilled in power systems, electrical engineering, project management, network development, stakeholder engagement and project delivery.
When he’s not working, Joe is hanging out with his family and checking out the local eateries.
Stephen Tan
Manager, Energy Advisory
Stephen is an expert in advising large-scale government investments in renewable energy generation infrastructure, navigating the commercial and financial intricacies and challenges to balance the interdependencies between the public and private sectors.
With a passion for the energy transition and backed by strong techno-commercial know-how, Stephen excels in energy modelling and forecasting, market research, business case development, financial package structuring, tender design, market sounding, due diligence and financial modelling.
When he's not at work, Stephen is on a culinary quest, constantly seeking out the next hidden gem to satisfy his love for great food.
Sophie Whiteside
Senior Consultant, Energy Advisory
Sophie is a Senior Consultant who leads deep-dive research and analysis to pinpoint key trends and strategic levers, ensuring optimal project outcomes for clients. With an eye for detail, Sophie excels in crafting high-impact deliverables and strategically balancing the interdependencies of project costs, quality, and time.
Her background in major infrastructure, state government, and law provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in large-scale projects and organisations, enabling her to effectively navigate unique challenges and consistently achieve successful outcomes for clients.
Outside of work, Sophie is full of energy, whether she's training for marathons or perfecting her Pilates technique.
Emily Belleville
Junior Project Manager
Emily is a Junior Project Manager and Senior Consultant who excels at handling highly complex projects within the renewable energy and major infrastructure industries. Emily's expertise spans procurement, commercial strategy, and project management, as demonstrated by her successful handling of multiple vendor procurement processes, cost analysis of contractor workforces, and junior project management of a 1MW solar farm.
Her extensive experience in Major Infrastructure, State Government, and the Medical industries equips her with a deep understanding of complexities inherent in large-scale projects and organisations. This expertise enables her to navigate unique challenges and successfully execute projects to deliver exceptional results.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Emily finds joy in long walks with her energetic border collie and nurtures her passion for Pilates and Yoga.
Ethan Pang
Senior Consultant, Energy Advisory
Ethan has experience delivering commercial, policy, and regulatory advice across emerging energy sectors, including hydrogen, green ammonia, electrification, and carbon markets. He provides data-driven insights to government and private clients, with expertise in investment advisory, cost benchmarking, energy modelling, and regulatory reform.
Ethan has a love for learning and thrives in collaborating with others to solve difficult problems.
Outside of work, Ethan enjoys playing/watching soccer, training Muay Thai, travelling and browsing cryptocurrencies.
Ian MacLeod
Senior Engineer, Grid & Renewables
Ian is a Senior Project Engineer with experience in the renewable energy sector, specialising in a diverse range of technologies, including solar PV, wind, green hydrogen, battery energy storage systems, and renewable heat solutions.
With a strong background in planning assessments, project management, site evaluations, and energy modelling, Ian also brings technical expertise in tools such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, Solar GIS, WindPro, and QGIS.
Outside of work, Ian enjoys exploring Melbourne and checking out its vibrant and trendy scenes.
Tian Ting
Development Manager and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Specialist
TIan is an energy professional specialising in DER integration, utilities, and behind-the-meter solutions, with experience in EV infrastructure, DER management systems, and distributed energy projects.
Skilled in stakeholder collaboration and project management, Tian drives innovative solutions in complex environments.
In Tian's free time, she loves hanging out with her kids and eating good food.
Sadie Cai
Engineer, Grid & Renewables
Sadie holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management and has worked with Tier 1 companies including Siemens and TW Solar.
With experience working across the technical pre-sales support on projects varying from 50 to 350MW, Sadie brings industry knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to advancing the energy transition.
Outside of work, Sadie enjoys eating great food, travelling, yoga and hanging with her dog DiDi.
Russell Cunningham
Head of Commissioning
As a seasoned commissioning manager with over two decades in High Voltage Construction and Commissioning, Russell brings a breadth and depth of experience from the Transmission, Renewable Energy, Distribution and Traction (Rail) industries.
Russell’s experience extends beyond technical management and project execution, into meticulous project and commissioning plan development to conducting critical design and construction reviews, with a track record in advanced primary, secondary, and traction systems testing. Skilled in bid management and estimating. Russell excels in operational planning and the execution of HV switching programs within transmission, distribution, and rail networks.
Outside of work, you can find Russell mountain biking, hanging with his family, and 4WDing.
Javier Santo
Project Manager (Engineering & Power Systems)
Javier is skilled engineer with over 18 years of experience in the energy sector, bringing strong project management capability across the full lifecycle of power and renewables projects - from design and procurement through to construction and commissioning.
Javier has managed critical workstreams on large-scale projects including Bulli Creek Solar Farm (800 MW), Yanco Delta Wind Farm (1.5 GW), and Goulburn River Solar Farm (550 MW), with proven experience in scheduling, contractor coordination, and site delivery across LV and HV networks (230–33 kV).
In Javier’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and exploring around Melbourne.
Mohammed Ahmed
HV Commissioning Engineer
A dedicated engineer with over 8 years of experience in the electrical and energy sectors, Mohammed brings strong technical and commissioning expertise across the full project lifecycle, from design and installation through to testing and final delivery.
Mohammed has contributed to the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects across data centres, industrial plants, and electrical distribution systems, with demonstrated capability in leading commissioning activities, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.
Outside of work, Mohammed is a keen gamer and loves to read books.
David Pham
HV Commissioning Engineer
David is a power systems automation specialist with expertise in HV/MV transformer and kiosk manufacturing. With over four years of hands-on experience, he has worked with protection relays, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), and automation controllers in an Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environment.
Having worked with clients across industries such as electrical distribution, defence, EV charging, mining, airports, rail, sports infrastructure, and data centres, David’s focus on innovation and technical excellence ensures reliable and efficient power system solutions.
Outside of work, David loves to travel, hang out with friends, and checking out the latest gigs.
Josh Sim
Junior Project Manager
Josh is a Junior Project Manager with experience leading utility engagements and program development. Josh’s background in Electrical Engineering encompasses Power Systems, lending a strong technical dimension to his experience in the commercial space. Having coordinated projects at a leading telecommunications company, Josh has worked cross-functionally managing a pipeline of work across the agriculture, mining and infrastructure sectors.
Leveraging his strengths in Stakeholder Engagement, Resource Planning and Power Systems, Josh brings a robust and multidisciplinary approach to project management.
When he’s not at work, Josh can be found cycling around Melbourne indulging his twin loves of rooftop bars and fresh Banh Mi.
Daniel Liang
Senior Consultant, Energy Advisory
Daniel is an infrastructure consultant and engineer with experience across both project delivery and commercial advisory. He has worked with Big 4 consulting firms and Tier 1 construction companies, combining hands-on site engineering knowledge with a strong understanding of project finance and commercial structures. His background includes working in assurance teams on complex major infrastructure projects, providing insight into both technical delivery and financial oversight.
Daniel brings experience in financial auditing, cost feasibility analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, large-scale tender submissions, program development, and financial modelling, along with a confident and clear approach to client engagement.
In his free time, Daniel enjoys exploring new topics, often diving deep into fascinating ideas and concepts. He is also passionate about all things food, whether its eating, cooking or sharing meals with family and friends.
Damian Lloyd
Commissioning Manager
Damian is an accomplished Commissioning Engineer with 19 years of experience spanning transmission, distribution, and critical infrastructure. Holding an Advanced Diploma in ESI – Power Systems and qualifications in HV Protection and Control, he has successfully led commissioning across a wide range of high voltage projects.
His experience includes the commissioning of major station rebuilds at East Rowville and EL Zone Substations, OLTC transducer upgrades across the United Energy network, and protection system replacements at sites such as MTN and DN Zone Substations. Damian has also delivered key feeder and transformer commissioning works, including WD25 and multiple 66kV CB installations. Known for his dependability and precision, Damian plays a crucial role in supporting critical path delivery and ensuring protection schemes are implemented to the highest standard.
Outside of work, Damian enjoys tennis, mountain biking, and cooking up a storm for his family.
Mia Houston
Office Manager / PA
Mia keeps the wheels turning across both offices, supporting everything from onboarding and events to executive coordination. Mia’s organisational flair and can-do attitude make a real difference behind the scenes.
When she’s not busy in the office, Mia enjoys cooking and baking for her friends, attending music festivals, and getting out into nature.
Naomi Nguyen
Graduate, Energy Advisory
Naomi is a Graduate Consultant in Energy Advisory with a strong foundation in finance and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Management, and has experience in private equity, finance and property investment.
Naomi is finance-minded, organised, and skilled at managing multiple priorities. She applies her commercial background to provide valuable insight, combined with a keen interest in energy markets and the National Electricity Market (NEM). Her analytical capability and disciplined approach to project coordination and stakeholder management enable her to deliver successful outcomes for clients.
Outside of work, Naomi enjoys culinary journeys, outdoor adventures, staying active, and live music - from intimate gigs to arena shows!
Juliana Casagranda
Senior Engineer, Grid & Renewables
Juliana is an engineer with over three years of technical consulting and advisory expertise across commercial, buildings, infrastructure and industrial sectors. With a proven ability to deliver complex engineering designs and effectively manage all stages of project delivery, client engagement and strategic advisory, Juliana excels in design, implementation, and the verification and validation of engineering solutions.
Juliana is committed to continuous improvement and thrives in collaborative environments. Her strong communication skills and client-facing experience enable her to build trusted relationships and contribute meaningfully to team success and project outcomes.
When not at work, Juliana enjoys a challenging pilates class, and bonding with friends over good food.
Dylan McCarney
Engineering Intern
Dylan is a third-year Mechatronics Engineering Systems student pursuing her Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. She has a keen interest in robotics and automation systems, with a particular passion for people-centred projects that develop engineering solutions to enhance quality of life. At Volta, Dylan is an Engineering Intern, where she gains valuable hands-on experience while supporting the technical implementation of energy projects, under the supervision of Senior Engineers.
In her free time, Dylan loves playing football and spending time with friends.
Shaily Milany
Associate Director and NSW Lead
Shaily is an accomplished technical leader with over 18 years of experience in solar and energy storage project management, engineering consultancy, M&A advisory, and strategic execution. With a track record supporting over 10 GW of renewable energy projects worldwide, Shaily has deep expertise in technical due diligence, feasibility studies, energy yield assessments, and grid integration.
Shaily is trusted for delivering investment-grade insights, bankability assessments, and technical due diligence across diverse geographies including Australia, Southeast Asia and across APAC.
Out of the office Shaily enjoys long walks, exploring nature, and playing the piano - keeping her inspired and refreshed.
Joanna Wan
Bookkeeper
Joanna has 15 years of international commercial banking experience, having successfully established multiple loan portfolios upwards of $650M HKD, managed portfolios encompassing 200+ client accounts, and developed banking products that were adopted across Hong Kong's commercial banking Industry. Joanna will manage Volta's day-to-day bookkeeping operations and undertaking financial management as we continue to scale.
When not at work, Joanna enjoys cooking up Hong Kong and Malaysian dishes, and staying flexible with Yoga.
Lasitha Dodam Mullage
Electrical Design Engineer
Lasitha is an Electrical Design Engineer with significant experience across distribution networks, heavy-industrial power systems and rail traction power, contributing to major infrastructure developments such as the Metro Tunnel Project, Melbourne Airport Rail and Level Crossing Removal Program. Through his experience with MTM, GHD, Aurecon and Jacobs, Lasitha’s expertise spans across Power System Modelling, Protection & Control, and HV Substation Design.
Outside of work, Lasitha is spending quality time with his family, going biking together or heading out on long drives to explore new places.
Tim Cox
Manager, Asset Services
Tim is an electrical engineer specialising in power-systems automation and manufacturing. With over 4 years of experience in Engineer-to-Order environments, he has configured protection relays, RTUs and automation controllers, and built and verified transformer control systems. Leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams, he programs, configures and tests automation hardware, and provides technical support for tenders and training workshops.
Having delivered across electrical distribution, defence, mining, utility and renewables, Tim is focused on providing reliable, efficient and compliant power-system outcomes that anchor safety, functionality and manufacturability.
While not in the office, Tim enjoys spending time with his family on outdoor adventures like 4WDriving and camping, and staying busy at home with woodworking, electronic and software projects
Gokcan Hamutoglu
Graduate, Electrical Engineer
Gokcan brings over five years of international engineering experience with a particular passion for power-system modelling and industrial electrical design. He holds a Master of Engineering from CQUniversity, a Bachelor of Engineering from Iskenderun Technical University in Turkey, and a Certificate IV in Project Management. Gokcan specialises in PSS®E software, delivering load-flow, fault-level and dynamic stability studies for both grid-connected and industrial environments. His project experience spans diverse heavy industries including iron-steel plants, power plants, cement factories, oil refineries and mining operations across multiple countries.
With strong technical skills in AutoCAD, Gokcan excels at translating complex client requirements into compliant electrical designs meeting AS/NZS 3000 standards. He brings practical, hands-on experience in installation and commissioning, cable and earthing calculations, and managing multi-disciplinary teams on site.
Outside of work, Gokcan likes to stay active with tennis and volleyball.