Executive Leadership Team
Merlene Hodgson
​Director​
Shareholder
John Dingemanse FAICD FAIB
Director
Project Director
Co-Founder / Shareholder
John Dingemanse leads the technical and developmental aspects of PLH energy and manages the various projects.
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John is the Founder and CEO of CBM Sustainability Group, a group of companies involved in project initiation, development and delivery in a number of industry sectors including property, mining, agri-business and renewable energy.
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John is an entrepreneur who has founded, built up and operated numerous businesses in a range of industry sectors including Property, Professional Services, Construction and Engineering, Telecommunications, Water Management and Resources. He founded his first business at the age of 25, establishing a construction company that within 10 years was the largest construction company in Tasmania and is still operating successfully today. He has continued to establish new enterprises, build them to become fully operational and profitable and then on-sell them.
John is highly regarded for his creative strength, passion for innovation and focus on true sustainability. As both a business and social entrepreneur he has received national acclaim for his achievements, while his company’s projects have received numerous awards for innovation and sustainability.
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John is passionate about the environment and a committed conservationist. He is also passionate about developing resilient communities and preserving social cohesion. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John has been a Director for over 35 years of various corporations, and serves on a number of Boards including in the NFP sector.
Merlene Hodgson is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years’ experience in administration, financial management, operations, and strategic leadership across multiple sectors.
Merlene has held key leadership roles within both privately held and franchise-based businesses, including her long-term position as Group Administrator for a large group of over 30 companies and trusts, and 15 years as Managing Director and Franchisee of Fernwood Fitness Woden. She has also been the director of a public unlisted company for 18 years.
Merlene's expertise includes business operations, financial oversight, compliance, team development, and stakeholder engagement. With qualifications in management, executive administration, and professional coaching, she is also accredited in behavioural profiling (EDISC), emotional fitness consulting, and mental health first aid.​
Known for her integrity, analytical thinking, and people-focused leadership, Merlene brings a calm, considered approach to governance and strategic decision-making.
She is committed to building values-driven, high-performing cultures and supporting organisations in achieving sustainable growth and operational excellence.