Mr Laver has played a leading role in technology and research through senior managerial positions he has held with BHP. Currently he is Corporate General Manager Technology & Development and is responsible for all corporate research activities involving two laboratories, a staff of 450 and an annual operating budget of $45M.

Previously he has held positions at BHP such as General Manager Transport, General Manager Steel Group and General Manager of Mt Newman Mining.
In all his positions he has given particular encouragement to interactions between research and operations on the one hand and between industry and academic institutions on the other.

Mr Laver has also chaired or been a member of many advisory bodies to government. Currently he is Chair of the National Board of Employment, Education & Training, Director of the Wool Research & Development Corporation and a member of the Australian Science & Technology Council.