Rene Wijnen graduated from the University of Melbourne as an Electrical Engineer in 1990. For the next 34 years he worked at ethylene / polyethylene manufacturer Qenos’s MHF Altona facilities, commencing as a graduate engineer and progressing through various plant support and project roles culminating in the lead Instrument Engineer role for the last 25 years, the Altona Electrical & Instrument Engineering Team Leader for the last 14 years, and the Resins Plant Engineering Manager role for the last 2 years.

Rene’s technical expertise traverses multiple engineering segments including field instrumentation, process control systems and architecture, LV electrical distribution, project management, functional safety engineering, and electrical equipment in hazardous areas & associated area assessment, from both a plant operation / maintenance / reliability and a project development / design / execution perspective. Extensive assignments across HS&E, Operations Controls and Capital Improvement functions established further diversity to Rene’s experience and knowledge base. Rene has been in management positions for the last 15 years leading teams of various sizes ranging from 3-4 to 30+, fostering positive and productive relationships with a customer focus and personnel skill and knowledge development as key foundations. The permanent closure of all Qenos facilities across 2024/2025 provided an opportunity for Rene to pursue a new phase in his career.