Meet our speakers, part two

This year’s WDS, taking place in Toronto, Canada (17-18 October), will offer an exclusive in-depth look at some of the most remarkable projects carried out around the world, and provide a platform for discussions about the key issues affecting our industry. Here are is our lineup of the industry experts who will be speaking at this year’s WDS.

Tom Koerner, Operations Director, Thompsons of Prudhoe. (PHOTO: Thompons of Prudhoe)

Meet the speakers

Tom Koerner, Operations Director, Thompsons of Prudhoe
Presentation topic: Industrial demolition project: Redcar Steelworks in the UK

Thompsons in 2014 where he quickly demonstrated his ability and experience within the industry. Tom is a highly-trained demolition professional who is client-focused and strives for excellence in performance.

He is responsible for the overall management of all Thompsons of Prudhoe’s high-profile and complex demolition/decommissioning projects across the business. Tom is an Appointed Person for Lifting Operations, holds a CCDO Black Card and is a Chartered Construction Manager. In 2021 Tom was invited to join the Thompsons of Prudhoe board of directors as operations director.

Brian Priestly, Executive Vice President of Operations North America, Priestly Demolition
Presentation topic: The rapid demolition of the Gardiner Expressway eastbound ramp, Toronto

Brian Priestly joined the Priestly Demolition team in 1997. Starting as a demolition labourer, Brian has worked his way up the ranks to vice president of operations, overseeing all Priestly’s on-site activity, engineering, logistics, and safety, while managing projects upward of C$120 million (US$88 million) annually.

Brian is an active member of the National Demolition Association, serving on various committees, as well as holding the position of vice president of the board of directors with the Ontario Association of Demolition Contractors.

Christina Murray, Director of Business Development, York1 Demolition and Jeremy Later, Operations Manager, York1 Demolition
Presentation topic: Decommissioning of former OPG Thunder Bay Generating Station

Jeremy has been with York1 since 2013. He began his career as a general labourer and worked his way up to becoming the senior site superintendent and then operations manager for his former company. After 11 years there, he joined the team at York1. He is a senior site supervisor and has proven to be an outstanding asset and wealth of knowledge to every member of the team.

He has proven his ability to take on any task with enthusiasm and without significant supervision. His duties have included but were not limited to heavy equipment operator, equipment manager, asbestos and mould abatement (Type 1 to 3), operation of site equipment, handling of hazardous material and supervision of site crews and trained in in-situ chemical remediation.

Simone Bruni, Demo Diva. (PHOTO: Demo Diva)

Simone Bruni, Demo Diva
Presentation topic: The Who and Why of demolition

Simone did what many Louisiana natives did post Hurricane Katrina, she reinvented herself. After losing her her home in the Katrina floods and being laid off, she took on the daunting task of rebuilding her home and discovered her niche. Simone targeted women customers with her company name and branding. However, it was not only women who needed her help but an entire devastated community.

The Demo Diva is blazing a trail in a male dominated industry, reinventing the recipe for construction marketing and customer service, and has become an inspirational business success story.

Jonathan Cox, Marketing Director, Rye Group
Presentation topic: Survey into people shortages, problems and solutions

Jonathan has extensive marketing experience, having worked with major brands such as Mercedes Benz, Total and the Institute of Directors. Having established his own marketing business in 2019, Jonathan began working with the team at Rye in early 2020 to develop its strategic positioning and profile in the market.

Jonathan has led Rye’s carbon auditing process and worked with the business to implement a variety of environmental measures.

Mark Loizeaux, Owner and President, Controlled Demolition. (PHOTO: Controlled Demolition)

Mark Loizeaux, Owner and President, Controlled Demolition
Presentation topic: The use of explosives in felling selected structures, as compared to conventional demolition methods

Mark Loizeaux is President and Owner of Controlled Demolition Incorporated (CDI), one of the leading international demolition firms performing both conventional and explosives demolition, as well as dismantling operations.

Mark acts as an expert technical witness on legal claims cases and in technical research committees where such expertise and hands-on experience is required. He also regularly speaks at professional events and universities.