Speakers

Simao Antunes is the General Manager, Latin America, Engineering and Gearing at Hofmann Engineering, a leading Australian specialist engineering company established in 1969. The company is recognised for designing, manufacturing, and servicing high-precision heavy equipment and gearing solutions for industries including mining, defence, transport, and energy. Hofmann Engineering operates globally, with workshops in Australia, Canada, Chile, and Peru, as well as worldwide representation, and employs more than 800 people.

Simao has been with Hofmann Engineering for nine years. He began as Undercarriage Engineering Manager before assuming responsibility for South American operations eight years ago, later expanding his portfolio to include the Engineering and Gearing product groups. Under his leadership, these divisions have achieved significant growth in revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Latin American operations now generate over $50 million in annual revenue and were recognised with the 2025 Australia–Latin America Business Council (ALABC) Business Excellence Award (Category A).

Prior to joining Hofmann Engineering, Simao was General Manager at Castech Solutions, following his relocation to Australia in 2012. He also worked 12 years in Portugal, as a Senior Project Manager in an EPC turnkey company, delivering complex international projects across Europe, South America, and Asia.

Simao holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, where he is originally from.