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.
Managing Director
Chief Financial Officer
Executive General Manager Strategy & Circular Services
Executive General Manager, North
Chief Digital & Customer Success Officer
Executive General Manager, Technical Services
Executive General Manager - Infrastructure Development
Executive General Manager, South
Chief Corporate Services Officer
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vanessa Stoddart is an experienced director and senior executive, with a background in law, operations, people leadership and organisational transformation. Vanessa is Chair of Tonkin + Taylor and a board member and trustee of Elizabeth Knox Rest Home and Hospital.
Vanessa has held governance roles across listed, private, public sector and cooperative entities in New Zealand and Australia, chairing remuneration, people, and health and safety committees.
Vanessa is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, an Honorary Fellow of HRINZ, a Companion of Engineering New Zealand, and is actively involved in mentoring and inclusion initiatives.
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.
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.
