Michael Wright

Michael Wright is the Chair of the International River Foundation (IRF) and has been actively involved since 2010. With over 30 years of experience across the environmental, resources and industrial sectors in Australia, Asia, Africa and the Americas, Michael brings extensive leadership and operational expertise. 

Prior to his current role as Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Thiess, Michael served as CEO of ASX-listed CIMIC Group, where he led Sedgman, UGL, CPB Contractors, Leighton Asia, Pacific Partnerships and Thiess. His career began at Thiess in 1998 as a Project Manager in the Environmental Services division, progressing through senior roles that span environmental and industrial services, mining and construction. 

Michael also serves as a Director on the Minerals Council of Australia, sits on the Strategic Advisory Board of the University of Queensland’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, and is an Independent Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed Transurban Ltd. 

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the University of Sydney and a Master of Engineering Science (Environmental) from the University of New South Wales. Michael has also completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School. 

Passionate about sustainability and global best practice, Michael champions the IRF’s mission to restore and protect rivers worldwide, driving collaboration and innovation for healthier ecosystems and communities.