Simon Hammer

Regional Manager - Mekong

Simon leads the Alluvium Group's work across the Mekong , bringing a systems-thinking approach to the region’s most pressing , climate, and sustainability challenges. With qualifications in both engineering and law, and over a decade of experience across public and private sectors, Simon specialises in integrated strategy, program design, and cross-sector collaboration.<br><br>He is passionate about shaping climate-resilient futures through inclusive partnerships, nature-based and adaptive solutions, and long-term capacity strengthening. Simon works closely with governments, multilateral organisations, and community partners to deliver practical, locally grounded outcomes that align environmental sustainability with social and economic needs.<br><br>Simon’s leadership has supported regional initiatives focused on water security, basin-scale planning, and climate adaptation—particularly across Southeast Asia. He is also a recognised contributor to the water and sustainability sectors, having co-founded the non-profit Our Future Cities and held advisory and volunteer roles across Australia, Africa, and Asia.<br><br>As Regional Lead for the Mekong, Simon brings a steady hand, a collaborative mindset, and a deep commitment to supporting resilient communities across the region.

Tarek Ketelsen

Tarek Ketelsen is an environmental systems engineer with 20 years of experience across 17 countries. He began his career in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), flood studies, and engineering design in the mining sector of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. In 2008, Tarek moved to Vietnam, where he focused on integrated environmental assessments, energy transition, climate resilience, eco-hydrology, hydrological modelling, river basin planning, and policy formulation.<br><br>Tarek has led or contributed to 60 international development projects, including a Strategic Environmental Assessment for Mekong hydropower and designing a water resources program for Myanmar showcased in Australia's 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper. From 2022-2025, he led Australia’s flagship energy cooperation program with Vietnam, supporting its rapid energy transition. He has worked on policy and planning projects for governments in Laos, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Cambodia, and Myanmar.<br><br>In 2015, Tarek founded AMPERES, specializing in energy transition and environmental resilience. In 2025, AMPERES joined the Alluvium Group, where Tarek now serves as Director and Technical Lead for the Mekong region.

Phuong Tran

Phuong Tran, A Mekong Delta citizen in Vietnam, has worked for almost 20 years with INGOs. Phuong’s experience spans multiple fields, including community development such as disaster risk management and resilience, hygiene, water and sanitation loan/credit via revolving fund programs for livelihood, housing, water and sanitation. She is also a good practitioner of community participatory processes, M&E tools, conducting community-based approach activities, and training for trainers.<br> <br>Since 2020, Phuong has managed our office in HCMC in Vietnam, our operations, and the financial oversight of all project implementation. She was trained in project management skills and involved in organisational strategy planning, resource and financial management during her time with INGO life of 3.5 years with Danish Refugee Council, 8 years with CARE International in Vietnam, almost 8 years with Habitat for Humanity International in Vietnam.<br> <br>Phuong's significant milestones over the past 20 years include being the Deputy Manager for U Minh Thuong National Park Nature Resource Protection and Development Project – CARE; Project Coordinator for Community-based Resilience Nature Disaster Project – CARE , Senior Program Coordinator for Housing & WATSAN Loan Program – Habitat; Project Manager for WATSAN Community Awareness Raising – Habitat.

Russell Merz

Director

<p style="margin: 0cm">Russell Merz is a Non-Executive Director of Alluvium International.  Russell has a proven track record in delivering excellence in technical quality and client service, with a focus on water-related risks, water resources resiliency, and water stewardship.</p><p style="margin: 0cm"></p><br><p style="margin: 0cm">With vast expertise in integrated water science and engineering, Russell Merz is an experienced engineering and business executive with over 30 years of international experience whilst being based out of Vancouver, Brisbane, Delhi, and Singapore. A Fellow of Engineers Australia in civil and environmental engineering, and an executive by experience, Russell was educated in Canada and the USA.  Russell's technical work focusses on specialist water resources, environmental and engineering services. From developing water resources engineering criteria in Rajasthan in the early 1990's to a key role in a major consulting firm's Asia Leadership team from 2010 to 2014, Russell has a strong affiliation with water resources and ecosystems across the Indo-Pacific Region.</p>