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.
Executive Team
Samantha McCulloch
Chief Executive
Victor Violante
General Manager External Affairs
Tracey Pinto
General Manager Corporate
Julie Hood
General Manager Member Relations & Events
Brendan Beck
General Manager Policy
Keld Knudsen
General Manager States & Territories, Director Qld
Richard Ellis
Director Western Australia
Peter Kos
Director Victoria & New South Wales
Ryan Neve
Director Northern Territory
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 oversees the organisation’s financial, corporate, and operational functions. A Chartered Accountant, she has previous experience in tax and business services within accounting firms, where she gained valuable expertise in financial management, compliance, and strategic planning.
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 leads Australian Energy Producers’ policy program, covering oil and gas policy and markets, environment and exploration, decommissioning, and net zero. Brendan has more than 20 years’ experience across the oil and gas, energy and carbon capture, utilisation and storage sectors in Australia and internationally, including roles with the International Energy Agency and the World Bank.
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.
Richard is a seasoned energy advocate and communications leader across government, industry, and professional services. His career spans senior roles at the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, ExxonMobil and EY. He was also APPEA’s WA Director from 2006–2009.
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.
Ryan has more than two decades of experience across the Northern Territory Government, ministerial offices and the private sector, with expertise in policy, regulatory engagement and stakeholder relations. He leads advocacy, member engagement and policy development for Australian Energy Producers in the Northern Territory.