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CHRIS MATTNER From being expelled from high school to leading a trailblazing South Australian electrical and lighting company, CME Group CEO Chris Mattner shares his journey and insights with ECD.
What attracted you to working in the electrical industry?
I didn’t choose this industry, it chose me. At nine years old, I was diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disorder), which made school an uphill battle. I went through four different schools, struggling to fit into a system that wasn’t built for the way I learned. Eventually, I was expelled at 16, and my father gave me an ultimatum: find a job or you’re working for me in the family business. I spent most of my childhood holidays working as free labour for my dad, so I said no thank you, I will find myself a job. Two weeks later, he knocked on my door and said “you are starting your apprenticeship today”. I had no idea that decision was to be ‘the best decision I never made’ and would set me on a path to leadership, innovation and global impact. What drew me in wasn’t just the technical side; it was the challenge of pushing boundaries, solving problems and creating solutions that redefine industries. Today, I’m not just in the electrical industry, I’m leading a movement that’s changing the way stadiums and large-scale infrastructure
projects use lighting to enhance experiences, efficiency and sustainability.
Can you tell us a bit about CME? CME is more than a company; it’s a culture, a vision and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We’re known for delivering world-class electrical and lighting solutions, particularly in sports and stadia lighting. With nearly four decades of history, we’ve illuminated over 400 sports fields, delivered more than 40 MW of renewable energy, and led groundbreaking projects like the Adelaide Oval LED Light Tower Upgrade, which received multiple awards for its innovation, complexity and impact on global stadium lighting standards [including the National Lighting Design & Construct award at the NECA National Excellence Awards 2024 and the Award of Excellence LiDA at the IESANZ Lighting Design Awards 2024]. But what truly sets us apart is our DNA. ‘Powered by Excellence’ isn’t just a tagline; it’s how we think, operate and execute. We push beyond industry norms, deliver innovative solutions and challenge what’s possible. We’re not just another electrical contractor; we’re
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industry pioneers, transforming spaces and redefining fan experiences on a global scale. At CME, we’re also committed to shaping the future of our industry, and that starts with building a workforce that reflects innovation and diversity. One of our most exciting initiatives is the Female Apprentice Program, designed to break down barriers, create real opportunities, and empower more women to step into the electrical and construction industry. Today, women make up less than 2% of the construction workforce, a statistic we refuse to accept. We want to inspire, nurture and develop the next generation of female electricians, technicians and project leaders, proving that talent and ambition know no gender. Our industry needs bold thinkers and passionate change makers, and we’re making it our mission to lead that charge.
What does a typical workday look like for you, or is every day different? Predictability is the enemy of progress, and in my world, no two days are the same. Some days, I’m leading high-level strategy meetings, shaping the future of the busi-
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