A Legacy Built on Foundations: David Maytom Celebrates 50 Years in Construction and 45 Years with CPB Contractors
From the quiet streets of Stroud in the historic Hunter Valley to the bustling underground corridors of Sydney’s M8 Motorway, David Maytom’s remarkable 50-year journey through Australia’s construction industry stands as a testament to dedication, versatility, and unwavering commitment. This year, David marks not only half a century in the trade but also an extraordinary 45 years with CPB Contractors—formerly Leighton Contractors—a tenure that has seen him rise from apprentice carpenter to Project Director on one of the nation’s most complex infrastructure projects.
David’s story began in regional New South Wales, where he took his first steps into the world of construction through a carpentry apprenticeship with a local builder. His early years were shaped by hands-on experience, discipline, and a deep-rooted work ethic. He soon joined a Newcastle-based construction firm before accepting a pivotal opportunity in 1980 with Leighton Contractors at the Eraring Power Station—a move that would anchor the next four and a half decades of his professional life.
Over the years, David’s career has spanned an astonishing breadth of projects that have helped shape modern Australia. From freeways and tunnels to power stations, hospitals, casinos, and gas plants, his resume reads like a blueprint of national development. His progression through the ranks—from Foreman to General Superintendent—was forged on major road, building, and tunnel projects across New South Wales and into Brisbane, where leadership, technical skill, and an eye for detail became his hallmarks.
In 2010, David transitioned from on-site supervision into senior project management, taking on increasingly strategic roles. He served as Construction Manager for the M2 Motorway Upgrade, Deputy Construction Director on the landmark Gorgon Gas Project in Western Australia, and Construction Director for the new Royal Adelaide Hospital—one of the largest and most advanced healthcare facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
His crowning achievement came with the New M5 project in Sydney (now known as the M8), a $4.1 billion endeavor that redefined urban mobility in Australia’s largest city. David joined the project in 2016 as Construction Director of Civil and Building Operations and was appointed Project Director in 2018. Under his leadership, the project was successfully delivered and opened to the public in 2020—amid the unprecedented challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic—a feat that underscored his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering focus on delivery.
When asked about the secret to his enduring success, David emphasizes the boundless opportunities within the construction sector. “The construction industry is diverse and provides incredible opportunities,” he says. “You can become an expert in your chosen field—or, like me, gain experience across a broad range of projects. CPB Contractors is the largest construction company in Australia and offers endless pathways for people to grow and advance their careers. I’ve found that being versatile and open to moving around the country has been hugely rewarding, both personally and professionally.”
For David, CPB Contractors has always been more than just a workplace—it’s been a community of mentors, collaborators, and innovators. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve worked with—from Superintendents to Construction Managers, Project Directors, and everyone in between,” he reflects. “The lessons I took from these exceptional individuals taught me how to deliver world-class projects. We are truly blessed to have the best of the best in the construction industry here at CPB Contractors.”
As David Maytom celebrates this golden milestone, his legacy extends far beyond concrete and steel. It lives in the highways that connect communities, the hospitals that heal, and the generations of builders he has inspired. His journey embodies the spirit of Australian construction: hardworking, adaptable, and always building toward a better future.
