Our company is led by industry professional which bring a unique set of skills, experiences, and dedication to GLT every day. As a team, we embody the values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation, creating a dynamic synergy that propels us forward.
Shay Chalmers is a seasoned engineering management professional and keynote speaker with a global track record across diverse manufacturing environments, from heavy industry to advanced medical technologies. Proudly based in Queensland, she sees firsthand the exceptional quality, capability, and problem-solving strength of Australia’s manufacturing sector.
Shay began her career in the United States at a large steel operation, rapidly progressing into leadership and managing a team of 150 employees by the age of 25. She later broadened her experience across production, process engineering, and project management roles throughout Australia and Europe.
In 2017, Shay established her own consulting practice, specialising in strategic planning, process optimisation, and project management for manufacturing organisations. Her commitment to excellence and practical, solutions-focused approach have made her a trusted advisor across the industry.
Passionate about the future of Australian manufacturing, Shay is actively involved in boards and committees working to address the nation’s skills shortages and strengthen long-term workforce capability. She collaborates closely with industry and government to support innovation and ensure a competitive, sustainable manufacturing future.
Shay embodies leadership that extends beyond operational expertise, contributing meaningfully to the growth, resilience, and global standing of Australian manufacturing.
Sallyanne Hedges is a highly experienced finance leader with over 20 years of expertise supporting complex organisations across Australia and New Zealand. With a background spanning manufacturing, retail, wholesale, inventory, and distribution, she brings a strong commercial mindset and a deep understanding of the operational drivers that shape business performance.
Throughout her career, Sallyanne has contributed to a range of manufacturing environments, including pallet production, packaging, and apparel. Her ability to translate financial detail into clear, actionable insights enables leaders to make informed, impactful decisions.
A Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Diploma in Business (Accounting), Sallyanne combines technical excellence with a collaborative leadership style. Known for motivating her team and fostering a culture of accountability, she is dedicated to strengthening GLT’s financial foundations and supporting the leadership team with clarity and confidence.
Leanne Stewart is an accomplished, results-driven leader with over two decades of experience delivering transformation and sustainable growth. Known for her curiosity and performance mindset, she excels at designing and executing strategic agendas that align people, systems, and processes.
Throughout her career, Leanne has thrived on the challenge of delivering results across industries including automotive aftermarket, rail transportation, and mining. Her ability to see the big picture allows her to communicate a clear vision while developing detailed plans that drive customer engagement and retention.
Leanne is adept at influencing key stakeholders to prioritise customer needs, ensuring strategies are aligned with market demands. With strong cross-functional leadership skills, she excels at building networks across all levels and facilitating collaboration to successfully deliver projects.
Focused on sales enablement and continuous improvement, Leanne is dedicated to driving GLT’s growth while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and satisfaction.
Lachlan Wright is the Operations and Transformation Manager at GLT Trailers, leading manufacturing operations and driving initiatives that strengthen efficiency, quality, and safety. Since joining in 2023, he has played a key role in embedding a culture of continuous improvement, implementing Lean practices, and leveraging digital tools and AI to support smarter, more agile operations.
Lachlan oversees production, maintenance, and support teams, with a strong focus on leadership development, capability building, and high performance across the business. He collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure operational alignment with strategic objectives and to deliver long-term value to GLT customers.
Prior to joining GLT, Lachlan worked with schools and manufacturers across Queensland to help build the future pipeline of manufacturing skills. He led programs that connected students with local industry, strengthened partnerships, and created clear pathways into manufacturing careers—experience that fuels his passion for developing talent and supporting sector growth.
Holding a Bachelor of Business in Management, Lachlan combines practical leadership experience with academic insight to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth within GLT Trailers.
Kristy Smith is a multidisciplinary leader with expertise across psychology, neuroscience, business, and law. With more than 25 years’ experience, she blends commercial insight with human performance science to deliver strategies that strengthen culture, leadership, and business results.
Academically trained in business, HR, law, leadership and management, and psychology, Kristy draws on both research and real-world practice. She is passionate about building high-performance cultures powered by motivated, resilient, and self-driven individuals.
Her career spans senior roles with organisations including Transfield Services, Toyota, Lexus, Southcorp Wines, AT&T, and BMC Software, as well as extensive consulting through her own company. This cross-industry experience enables her to translate complex business and people challenges into clear, actionable strategies that drive sustainable performance.
Known for connecting big-picture thinking with practical execution, Kristy excels at aligning systems, behaviours, and leadership to build resilient, future-ready organisations. She brings an engaging leadership style that balances empathy with accountability and is committed to developing confident, capable people who fuel business growth.
