Saunders Names Angelo De Angelis as CEO, Ensuring Strategic Continuity
Saunders International appoints Angelo De Angelis as CEO effective October 2025, succeeding Mark Benson who will support the transition through 2026. This leadership change signals a steady hand guiding the company’s next growth phase.
- Angelo De Angelis appointed Managing Director and CEO from 1 October 2025
- Mark Benson to step down end of 2025 but remain engaged for 12 months
- De Angelis has been COO since 2021, key in company’s strategic transformation
- Appointment aims to maintain continuity and drive long-term shareholder value
- De Angelis’ remuneration includes performance-linked incentives with multi-year vesting
Leadership Transition at Saunders International
Saunders International Limited (ASX, SND) has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Angelo De Angelis as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2025. This follows the previously announced departure of Mark Benson, who has led the company for over a decade and will step down at the end of this year.
Mr Benson will continue as an Executive Director until December 31, 2025, and remain engaged for an additional 12 months to support a smooth handover. This planned transition reflects a deliberate strategy by the Board to ensure stability and continuity in leadership during a pivotal period for the company.
A Proven Internal Successor
Angelo De Angelis, who has served as Saunders’ Chief Operating Officer since June 2021, is no stranger to the company’s operations and strategic direction. His tenure has coincided with Saunders’ transformation into a multidisciplinary engineering, construction, and maintenance business, alongside the development of a record opportunity pipeline.
With over 30 years of leadership experience across Australia, the Indo-Pacific, and North America, including senior roles at Transfield Services and Ventia, De Angelis brings deep industry knowledge and strong relationships with key supply chain partners and clients. His appointment is seen as a vote of confidence in internal talent and a commitment to sustaining the company’s growth trajectory.
Strategic Implications and Incentives
The Board’s statement highlights De Angelis’ role in pipeline growth and strategic insight, positioning him to continue driving Saunders’ long-term value creation. His remuneration package includes a total fixed remuneration of $600,000 per annum, with short-term incentives up to 55% of this amount and long-term incentives tied to performance hurdles such as relative total shareholder return and earnings per share growth over a three-year vesting period.
This structure aligns executive rewards with shareholder interests, underscoring the Board’s focus on sustainable performance. De Angelis currently holds a significant equity stake in Saunders, further aligning his interests with those of investors.
Looking Ahead
Mark Benson’s departure marks the end of an era during which Saunders expanded its capabilities and achieved record work in hand. His endorsement of De Angelis and the company’s future suggests confidence in the new leadership’s ability to build on this foundation.
As Saunders embarks on this next chapter, investors will be watching closely to see how the leadership transition influences operational execution and market positioning amid evolving industry dynamics.
Bottom Line?
With Angelo De Angelis at the helm, Saunders aims to blend continuity with fresh momentum in its growth journey.
Questions in the middle?
- How will De Angelis’ leadership style influence Saunders’ strategic priorities?
- What are the key performance targets tied to De Angelis’ incentive plan?
- How will the market and clients respond to this leadership transition?
