Australian Energy Producers’ Executive team is based in office locations across Australia.

Samantha McCulloch

Chief Executive

An internationally recognised figure in the world of CCUS, Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch brings more than 20 years of expertise from previous roles within government, industry associations and the private sector, both in Australia and overseas.

Victor Violante

General Manager External Affairs

Victor has a strong government relations, policy and communications background. He has a comprehensive knowledge of Australia’s government and media landscape, legislative and regulatory processes and policy reform.

Tracey Pinto

General Manager Corporate

Julie Hood

General Manager Member Relations & Events

Julie is responsible for ensuring Australian Energy Producers delivers maximum engagement and information sharing for its members. She also directs our events team, delivering top-quality oil and gas industry events, in particular the flagship Australian Energy Producers Conference & Exhibition.

Brendan Beck

General Manager Policy

Brendan leads our work program on net zero technologies, including carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) and clean hydrogen. Brendan has over 20 years of experience in the field, both in Australia and globally, including previous roles with the World Bank and the International Energy Agency.

Jason Medd

Director Offshore & Decommissioning

Jason is responsible for Australian Energy Producers' Environment, Health and Safety policy and advocacy. His 20-year career includes senior positions within government petroleum policy and reform, the petroleum industry and advocacy.

Caroline Cherry

Director Western Australia

Caroline has significant experience in senior management and has delivered successful outcomes on key industry projects and government objectives. Based in our Perth office, she works with members to ensure WA has the right policy settings in place to remain a world leading LNG Hub.

Keld Knudsen

Director Queensland

Keld is an experienced policy and government relations professional with an in-depth understanding of the upstream petroleum industry, energy markets and related policy issues. Keld has held positions in government, industry and representative associations.

David Slama

Director Northern Territory & South Australia

David commenced his career with the SA Gas Company, where he joined as an apprentice Gas Technician in 1994. Having established businesses in the gas and finance sectors, he brings a wealth of experience underpinned by his principal skillset of stakeholder engagement.

Peter Kos

Director Victoria & New South Wales

Peter has three decades of experience in government relations, policy, communications and media relations. He is responsible for leading advocacy and policy development for the Australian Energy Producers in Victoria and New South Wales.

Wayne Calder

Director Economics

Wayne has over 30 years of public policy experience, much of this as a senior leader and adviser to governments and ministers. He has worked across significant policy issues spanning taxation, energy markets and clean energy technology (including CCS), energy security, climate change and more.

Mark Bonner

Director Climate & Energy Policy

Mark is responsible for leading and providing policy advice on climate change, emissions reduction and cleaner energy initiatives. An economist with 30 years of experience in both domestic and international climate policy within governments, as well as deep involvement in the UNFCCC and IPCC.

Brad Thompson

Director Media and Communications