Paul Adams
Director
Paul commenced his working life as a Surveyor in the Australian Army. He is currently the CEO of Major Projects Group and a director of Major Projects Foundation. Paul is a keen sailor and recreational diver and has extensive experience working in the Pacific Region.
From 1982 to the present day, he has been involved in the decommissioning, deconstruction, hazardous material removal and remediation of industrial and marine structures.
The witnessing of oil leaking from many WWII shipwrecks drives his passion for marine conservation and preservation.
Wilma Adams
Director
Wilma Adams considers herself as a human living on this planet. Extensive travels and working in many countries gives her the knowledge that we are all connected to each other and that we have to look after our fellow inhabitants and this wonderful place called EARTH.
Wilma discovered her love of the oceans and conservation through recreational diving on shipwrecks and understands that we need to do our utmost to protect our delicate ecosystems.
She lives by the famous Lily Tomlin quote –
“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realised… I am somebody”.
Peter Cundall
Director
Peter Cundall is one of Major Projects Foundation’s directors and the chief researcher.
He has been interested in locating and researching World War II shipwrecks for decades. He has written books on the subject and compiled an extensive list of known wrecks.
After recently retiring from a career in the maritime industry, he now volunteers his time to help locate and identify the threats posed by potentially polluting wrecks around the Pacific.
Chris Purkiss
Director
Chris Purkiss is a Mechanical Engineer who spent the first 20 years of his working life at Newcastle Steelworks. Since its closure, he has worked in various industries from mining to locomotives to aluminium.
Too young to retire but not interested in a full-time job he volunteers his time as one of Major Projects Foundation’s directors.
Kees Beemster Leverenz
Technical Lead
Kees Beemster Leverenz is an experienced technical diver with a background in information technology and software development. Kees has been directly involved in the 3D documentation of over 100 shipwrecks, caves, and archeological sites across the world.
Kees serves as the Technical Lead for Major Projects Foundation, assisting the team by managing data archiving, photogrammetry processing, and contributing as a rebreather diver with the team while in the field.
Sebastien Hammacher, MBA
Marketing Manager
Sebastien Hammacher, known as Seb, serves as the Marketing Manager at the Major Projects Foundation. Seb plays a pivotal role in steering the foundation’s marketing strategies and efforts towards excellence. He is responsible for overseeing comprehensive marketing initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission to safeguard marine environments and cultural heritage.
Seb’s international experience, having lived, worked, and studied across six countries, enriches his global perspective and adaptability. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Nantes, France, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Rhodes College, USA, and a Master of Business Administration in International Business from the University of Alberta, Canada. These credentials equip him with a robust foundation to tackle complex marketing challenges.
At the Major Projects Foundation, Seb’s client-centric focus and extensive background in marketing ensure that all campaigns and initiatives enhance the foundation’s public image and outreach. His strategic insights and meticulous attention to detail play a crucial role in advancing the foundation’s objectives.
