A strong vision and a thirst for challenge have helped MEC CEO Christofer Catania earn a place in The CEO Magazine’s 2024 Executive of the Year Awards. As a finalist in the hotly contested category of Energy & Mining, Catania is pleased to be a part of such an important event for Australia’s business community.

“It’s a crucial way to showcase successful strategies and inspiring best practices,” he says. “Events like these are how you drive industry-wide improvements.”

That’s an area in which Catania has more than a little experience. As the CEO of global mining consultancy MEC since March 2020, he’s worked tirelessly to shape and execute the company’s strategic vision in an industry that never sleeps.

“I’ve worked with MEC for 14 years in several stints, most recently returning in 2017. Since becoming CEO I’ve harnessed that experience and my understanding of the industry to rebrand MEC as well as diversify and expand our offerings,” he reveals.

Growth and culture

The MEC of today is a trusted and powerful partner to mining companies across metals, minerals and coal. From Rio Tinto to Thiess to BHP, MEC has helped firms to optimize and elevate their operations and returns.

A multi-tiered strategy is steadily delivering that outcome. The company is now known simply as MEC (previously MEC Mining), a move that reflects Catania’s streamlined approach, and is backed by an enhanced digital presence.

MEC has also made several significant acquisitions to strengthen its presence across Australia, Africa, Europe and South-East Asia, including Brisbane-based mining consultancy METServe and Fremantle’s Integrated Geological Mining Services, both pivotal to enhancing stakeholder engagement.

“We’ve established an underground metal and geotechnical division as well as a specialist advisory services subsidiary,” Catania explains. “This means we can cater to a wider range of industries, including mining, infrastructure, civil engineering, energy and processing.”

Under the hood of this all-encompassing initiative is a diverse team and a positive company culture. The former has proved vital in enhancing the brand’s reputation for expertise and innovation, according to Catania.

“I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built at MEC. Our team’s diverse skill sets and collaborative approach enable us to deliver best-practice solutions,” he enthuses.

MEC’s company culture is one where staff feel valued and empowered. Achievements are recognized, opportunities for professional growth are provided and concerns are addressed promptly.

“In this way, we enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, which in turn positively impacts our overall stakeholder engagement.”

Both of these assets have been fostered and developed by Catania, an award winner in this respect.

“In recognition of my leadership and philanthropic contributions, I received the University of Queensland [UQ] Business School Excellence in Leadership Award,” he says.

“The honor highlighted my commitment to nurturing industry leaders and supporting the UQ MBA program, where I continue to mentor and inspire emerging leaders.”

Catania approaches his CEO role with passion and enthusiasm.

“I actively participate in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising awareness and funds to address homelessness,” he confirms. “I’ve also introduced added leave at MEC to enable employees to contribute to causes they care about.”

A sustainable future

Suitably, Catania’s inspiration comes from a higher source. “Pope Francis is my inspiration,” he says.

“He leads with humility and grace in a role steeped in tradition and responsibility. Unlike many leaders driven by ego or financial gain, he navigates the challenges of a historic institution with a deep commitment to addressing the needs of a rapidly evolving society.”

It is, he adds, the essence of exceptional leadership. “In my view, such a leader embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, showing adaptability and resilience in unfamiliar or adverse conditions.”

Both are common in the worlds of mining and business, two arenas in which Catania neatly acquits himself.

“Success in business demands adaptability, effective leadership, strong communication, continuous learning, resilience and ethical decision-making,” he points out.

And with sustainability such a hot topic within the industry, the company has made deft strides in that area. The acquisition of METServe, for instance, was a massive boost to MEC’s ability to provide holistic environmental solutions.

“I believe the future of mining lies in our ability to integrate sustainability into every aspect of operations,” he reflects.

“We support mining companies in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and help them optimize energy consumption. The broader environmental benefits are clear.”

The business of mining is an exercise in constant exploration in all senses of the word. Catania says it’s his responsibility to ensure the MEC team has the complete ability to make that exploration possible.

“As we look to the future, MEC will play a key role in shaping a more sustainable and innovative industry. Our solutions address both immediate and long-term challenges, ensuring that our clients contribute positively to societal change while achieving commercial success.”