Tom's professional background is in law, first in private legal practice, then as corporate counsel - including Head of Legal at Australian Airlines (until its merger with Qantas) - before undertaking a series of executive and CEO roles in the water and environment sector. He was CEO of the Australian Water Association from 2007 to 2013, and later, CEO of the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust until 2021.
Amongst other Board roles, Tom is Chairperson of Gippsland Water, and is a member of the Victorian Sustainability Fund Committee and the Australian Water Partnership Expert Review Panel.
In January 2023, Tom was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia, in recognition of his distinguished service to business, particularly through the essential services industry, and to the community.