About Us

our story

Groundline was founded in 2004 by two engineers who'd had enough of old-school thinking in the electricity transmission industry.

What started as a two-person operation has grown into a 100-plus-strong team spanning New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US, built not on a grand expansion plan, but on relationships, honest advice, and a reputation for doing good work. Two decades on, we're still driven by the same instinct that got us started: challenge the status quo, back our people, and help our customers get more out of the infrastructure that keeps the lights on.

Ian Flatley and Richi Cleland

2004

Founded, Christchurch New Zealand

Founded by Ian Flatley and Richi Cleland in Christchurch, New Zealand

2014

First UK Office in Nottingham Opened

The opening of our Nottingham office marked Groundline Engineering’s first step into the United Kingdom, strengthening our international presence.

2023

First US Office Opened in Florida

May 4th 2023 saw Groundline Engineering formalize its entry into the US market in a ceremony presided over by New Zealand Trade Commissioner Vicky Whitlock in Washington DC.

2023

Darlington Office Opened

The launch of our Darlington office was the UK's second office location. The team here is predominately focused on delivery of Overhead Lines projects.

2024

London Office Opened

In response to our growth in working with the southern part of the UK.

2004

Founded, Christchurch New Zealand

Founded by Ian Flatley and Richi Cleland in Christchurch, New Zealand

2014

First UK Office in Nottingham Opened

The opening of our Nottingham office by Adam Yates (UK Director) marked Groundline Engineering’s first step into the United Kingdom, strengthening our international presence.

2023

First US Office Opened in Florida

May 4th 2023 saw Groundline Engineering formalize its entry into the US market in a ceremony presided over by New Zealand Trade Commissioner Vicky Whitlock in Washington DC.

2023

Darlington Office Opened

The launch of our Darlington office was the UK's second office location. The team here is predominately focused on delivery of Overhead Lines projects.

2024

London Office Opened

In response to our growth in working with the southern part of the UK.

Our Values

People First

Collaborate, support and respect each other.

Challenge

Question the status quo and embrace diversity.

Communication

Be clear, concise, and listen.

Smart

Innovative solutions by clever people.

Nimble

Be flexible, adaptive and continuously improve.

Executive Team

Richi Cleland

Director

Richi, having worked with Ian on transmission lines projects since the 1990s, joined Groundline in its early days, becoming a director in 2006...
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Ian Flatley

Director

Ian founded Groundline Engineering in 2004 after recognizing that the industry needed independent, specialist transmission lines...
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Henry Lynch

Board Chair

Co-Founder of Faraday who specialize in purpose-built, high performance professional advisory boards for companies that shift the odds...
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Kyle James

CEO

Kyle discovered a passion for engineering while in the military. After spending sometime in the civilian world fitting out dairy factories and fishing...
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Craig Cox

Group Financial Controller

Craig joined Groundline in February 2022 as the Group Financial Controller...

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Adam Yates

UK Director

Adam, having spent his whole career in transmission and distribution, joined Groundline in 2015 to set up the United Kingdom office...
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Christian Nolden

President USA

Christian joined Groundline in 2023 to set up and run the US office. Christian spent the first 18 years of his career working for utilities in the US...
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Jill Hayley

Compliance Manager

Jill has worked across various sectors of the construction industry, bringing over 30 years of experience in project coordination...
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Steve Wright

Global Sales and Marketing Manager

Steve brings 15+ years of global sales experience in high-tech and cutting-edge technology and consultancy. His career has taken...
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ANZ Senior Leaders

UK Senior Leaders

Craig Thornton

Technical Manager

Craig leads Groundline's ANZ Lines Team, combining technical leadership with hands-on engineering expertise to deliver complex transmission line projects throughout New...
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Graeme Urban

Project Delivery Manager

Graeme is the project delivery manager of the ANZ consultancy business. His key focus is to ensure first class project delivery to customers. He has 16 years’ experience in the power systems...
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Amber McNair

Senior People & Culture Advisor

Amber joined Groundline in 2024 and brings more than 15 years of HR experience across a variety of industries. She is passionate about building practical, people solutions that support both...
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Ben Liebing

Business Development Manager

Ben is a Business Development Manager with 16 years of experience in delivering technical projects in Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. His project management...
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Luke Brown

General Manager - Overhead Line Engineering

General Manager OHL Engineering with 25+ years’ experience within the Overhead Line industry. With a balance of practical and technical knowledge gained over my career, I have a unique...
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Bob Sturzaker

Programme Manager

Bob is an experienced Senior Project Manager with over 25 years’ experience, with a background in the construction of overhead lines, broadcast and telecommunications structures and...
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Sophie Dudley

Business Services Manager

Sophie is the Business Services Manager and started her career at Groundline as the Business Administrator. In her 4 years at Groundline she has completed training in multiple areas across the...
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Ross Quiney

Role Business Development Manager

Ross is an enthusiastic, experienced and driven Business Development Manager with a strong background in the electrical and energy infrastructure sectors. Passionate about building...

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Let’s Get to Work.