We are delighted to announce the promotion of Gary Shawley to Associate Director, recognising his exceptional contribution to the business and his extensive expertise in the geoenvironmental and geotechnical sector.
With 24 years of industry experience under his belt, Gary has built an impressive career specialising in geology, engineering geology, mine working reclamation schemes, earthworks, and contaminated land assessment and remediation across residential, industrial, commercial, and defence land sectors.
Since joining Lucion in February 2025, Gary has been instrumental in overseeing and running geo-environmental and geotechnical services for the South West, South Wales, and Midlands regions, principally from our Bristol office. His role involves supporting other regions and collaborating across Lucion’s group of companies to deliver cohesive, multidisciplinary service packages to clients.
Robin Slade, Business Unit Director, commented on Gary’s promotion:
” Gary is one of those rare individuals who can walk into a room and instantly lift the energy. Beyond his undeniable technical expertise, it’s his infectious enthusiasm and ability to make even the most challenging projects enjoyable that sets him apart. In the relatively short time he’s been with us, he’s not only strengthened our regional capabilities but has become a real driving force for collaboration across the Group.
This promotion recognises not just what Gary knows, but who he is. A genuine character who brings out the best in everyone around him.”
A Career Built on Diverse Experience
Gary’s career journey began in 2002 when he graduated from university with a first-class Master’s degree in Geology. He started at Soiltechnics Limited in Northampton before moving to South Wales to join Johnson Poole and Bloomer. He then spent nearly 18 years at Integral Geotechnique before making the move to Lucion.
“I started out as an engineer with very much a hybrid role. Lots of fieldwork in the early years, coupled with report writing,” Gary explains. “This then led to mentoring roles and eventually running teams of engineers and consultants. I have been a jack of all trades over my career so far.”
Throughout his career, Gary has worked on projects ranging from small-scale residential developments to large, complex engineering challenges. Notable projects include the Swansea University Student Accommodation, the redevelopment of former complex industrial sites, reclamation of landfill sites for residential use, and coastal defence schemes in north-west Wales. One particularly challenging project involved developing a reclamation and redevelopment strategy for a former 120-metre deep backfilled opencast pit.
Technical Excellence and Client Support
Gary’s expertise spans both geoenvironmental and geotechnical disciplines, with particular specialisms in earthworks schemes, detailed quantitative risk assessments for soil and groundwaters, waste streams, settlement analysis, and rock mechanics utilising Rocscience software packages.
His extensive consultancy experience has made him proficient in supporting clients throughout the entire project lifecycle; from initial due diligence stages through to planning applications, tender processes, remediation, and validation of contaminated sites.
Leadership and Team Development
When asked about his favourite aspects of the job, Gary is enthusiastic:
“I thrive on interaction with people, both colleagues and clients. If you have worked with me in either capacity, you’ll know that I have a positive attitude to work and I try to make every interaction fun and eventful.”
He particularly enjoys watching the growth of individuals who join the business:
“I really enjoy providing them the training and experience they require to become competent, able, and knowledgeable consultants, seniors, and principals.”
Advice for Industry Entrants
For those taking their first steps in the industry, Gary offers practical wisdom:
“Listen, listen and then listen again. Read, read and read again. Ask, ask and then ask again. Open yourself to the absorption of knowledge and experiences. Question everything and then ask for justification of the answer.”
He also shares some field-tested advice:
“When you’re on site, keep a sneaky pack of sweets in your pocket. It’s surprising how much a jelly baby or Haribo can cheer you up when you’re drenched to the skin and on your tenth trial pit of the day.”
Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending time outdoors, walking his dogs, splitting logs, hill walking, falling off paddle boards, and “generally being annoying.” And for those wondering, he’d like you to know that all his jokes are actually hilarious.
Everyone at Lucion congratulates Gary on his well-deserved promotion to Associate Director.
