Published on July 31, 2024
Since graduating from Hunter Valley Grammar School (HVGS) in 1994, Ben Rayward has carved an impressive path through both military and civilian careers, marked by dedication and distinguished achievements. His journey began at the Australia Defence Force Academy (ADFA), where he studied from 1995 to 1997, graduating with distinction. In 1998, he progressed to the Royal Military College, where he earned his commission as an Army officer. Ben returned to ADFA in 1999 to complete his engineering degree, further solidifying his foundation for future endeavours.
From 2000 to 2005, Ben served as an Army officer, with postings in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. His projects included impactful work in Aboriginal communities in the Tiwi Islands and international assignments in East Timor and Papua New Guinea. This period in the Army not only honed his leadership skills but also broadened his perspective through diverse and challenging experiences.
In 2005, Ben transitioned to the civilian sector, working on major construction projects in London. By 2006, he had shifted into project management consultancy, leveraging his military experience in a new context. Over the past 15 years, Ben has been integral to the growth of a small consultancy founded by Army friends into a major player in the industry. This consultancy went through two acquisitions and is now part of the global 27,000-person consultancy firm, Tetra Tech. Today, Ben holds the position of Executive Manager, Clients and Markets, where he continues to drive success and innovation.
Reflecting on his time at HVGS, Ben emphasizes the importance of teamwork and hard work. He vividly remembers helping his parents, who were founding owners of the school, by cutting and rolling turf before the school opened. These early experiences instilled values that have been crucial throughout his career.
One of Ben’s favorite memories from HVGS is playing rugby and other sports with his schoolmates. These activities fostered camaraderie and taught him the importance of collaboration and perseverance.
The trait that has been most vital in Ben’s success is his ability to work with a diverse range of people and positively influence them to achieve great outcomes. This skill, nurtured through his military and consultancy careers, has been instrumental in his professional achievements.
Ben’s proudest moments in his post-school life revolve around his family. Married with four teenage children, he has watched his kids excel in various sports, with three of them becoming Australian junior champions. His eldest, Jasmine, has been selected for ten Australian junior teams and is part of the Nutri-Grain Iron Woman series. These family achievements bring him immense pride and reflect the values of dedication and excellence that he holds dear.
Ben Rayward’s journey from HVGS to his current role as Executive Manager at Tetra Tech is a testament to the power of teamwork, hard work and the ability to positively influence others. His story serves as an inspiring example of how the lessons learned at HVGS can shape a lifetime of success and fulfillment.