Leadership
The Team behind the rigs.
Family-owned business. Direct access to the people running it — no layered management, no account managers between you and the decision-maker.
Tom Partleton
Managing Director
Tom started in the drilling industry in 2002 and joined GeoDrill Australia in 2008. He progressed through the ranks from driller's assistant to driller, attaining an ADITC Diploma of Drilling Operations under company supervision. In 2017 Tom purchased the business from his father — continuing the family name into the next generation of drilling.
Emma Partleton
Director
Emma shapes GeoDrill Australia's vision, strategic direction and financial leadership — overseeing the company's financial health, guiding long-term planning and ensuring sustainable growth. Her expertise also covers streamlining internal operations and supporting brand development across the business.
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Mark Whitaker
Chief Executive Officer
Mark Whitaker brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across finance, operations, governance and business growth. Having held CFO, General Manager and senior executive roles across multi-site national businesses, Mark provides strong commercial leadership, strategic oversight and financial discipline to support GeoDrill Australia's continued growth and long-term success.
Michael Brookes
Chief Operating Officer & Director
20 years in drilling. Technical background spanning Australia, PNG, Mali, Namibia and Tanzania. Deep directional drilling, NAVI cycle management, large-diameter water well installations, RC and 8C/4C coring, Bowen Basin coal, Surat Basin oil & gas. Has managed 150-employee operations. Advanced Diploma in Drilling Management plus Project Management and OHS qualifications.
Lisa Kelly
People, Culture & HR Manager
Lisa brings significant managerial experience with deep HR focus — attraction, recruitment, retention, cultural initiatives, and the industrial side of people management. Adept at navigating workplace incidents and developing programs that retain crew in a sector known for churn.
Daniel Quintal
General Manager – Operations
17+ years drilling experience. Started in 2007 as a driller's assistant, progressed through driller and supervisor roles to general manager before stepping into operations. RC, Diamond and water-well experience across NSW, QLD, SA, WA and NT. Diploma of Drilling Operations and Certificate III in Drilling Operations.
Daniel Smith
WHS & Training Manager
Started as a driller's assistant in 2011 and progressed through driller and supervisor roles. Now WHS & Training Manager — responsible for crew wellbeing, training programs, and ensuring every Team Member is equipped to deliver to GeoDrill Australia's safety and quality standards.
Plus 80+ specialist crew across drillers, drillers' assistants, field maintenance, logistics and support — Tier 1 trained, ISO-certified, and continuing the four-generation trade.