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Meet our team

Our governance is underpinned by a highly experienced Board and a dynamic Executive Leadership Team.

This structure ensures robust oversight and strategic direction for our operations across the country.

Executive Leadership Team

Our Executive Leadership Team is tasked with developing our strategy, purpose, and values. This team drives our vision and ensures that our operational activities align with our overarching goals and commitments.

Evan Maehl

Managing Director

William Ding

Chief Financial Officer

Michael McSaveney

Executive General Manager, Upper North Island

Greg Slaughter

Executive General Manager, South Island

Lena Jenkins

Chief Digital Officer

Guy Smith

Chief Risk Officer

Ingrid Cronin Knight

Chief Growth & Sustainability Officer

Craig Plested

Chief People Officer

David Howie

Executive General Manager, Lower North Island & Acting Executive General Manager, Circular Services

David Perkins

Executive General Manager, Technical Services

Lawrence James

Chief Engineer & Development Officer

Our Board

In 2022, following the acquisition by Igneo Infrastructure Partners, a rigorous selection process led to the formation of our current Board, chaired by Murdo Beattie. 

The Board meets eight times a year at various WM New Zealand sites, allowing members to gain firsthand insights into our operations. They are instrumental in governance and decision-making on all major economic, environmental, and social issues affecting our company.

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Murdo Beattie

Murdo Beattie, a founding partner of Cameron Partners, served as Managing Partner from 2008 to 2023. Although he stepped back from the partnership in March 2023, he continues as an advisor, offering his expertise to key clients from Wellington. 

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Marc Benscher

Marc Benscher, based in Sydney, is a fund manager with Igneo Infrastructure Partners. He manages the First Sentier Investors Wholesale Infrastructure Income Fund, focusing on portfolio construction, client engagement, and strategy.  

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Tania Simpson

Tania Simpson is a respected Māori leader with extensive experience in iwi, commercial, and public entities. She holds directorships at Tainui Group Holdings, Meridian Energy Ltd, and Auckland International Airport.  

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Gavin Kerr

Gavin Kerr, also from Igneo Infrastructure Partners, is a Managing Director and Head of Transactions in Australia and New Zealand, operating from the Sydney office.

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Evan Maehl

Evan Maehl joined WM New Zealand in 2012 as Chief Financial Officer and became Managing Director in January 2021. His leadership is centred on advancing WM New Zealand’s role as a leader in materials and energy recovery.

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Vanessa Stoddart

With three decades of executive and governance experience, Vanessa Stoddart serves on the boards of Channel Infrastructure NZ, Financial Markets Authority of NZ, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, and OneFortyOne Holdings Pty Ltd.  

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Laurie Kozlovic

Laurie Kozlovic is the Managing Director for Sustainable Impact at Woolworths 360 in Australia. He specialises in transforming businesses within complex environments and advancing circular economy solutions.

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Fraser Whineray

Recently the Chief Operating Officer at Fonterra Co-operative, Fraser Whineray oversaw NZ manufacturing sites, global supply chain operations, sustainability, IT, safety, quality, and regulatory teams.