WM New Zealand is thrilled to introduce its newly appointed Board, a significant step following the company's acquisition by Igneo Infrastructure Partners last year. This newly formed Board, selected through a rigorous process, brings a wealth of expertise and experience poised to elevate WM New Zealand’s operations and sustainability efforts.
Board Chair Murdo Beattie emphasised the Board’s commitment to expanding WM New Zealand’s impact while steering the company towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. "It’s a great company, and we are excited to be the Board that leads WM New Zealand into the future, which must be about circularity," Murdo stated. The Board aims to focus on investments in circular technologies and the decarbonisation of the diesel truck fleet, among other sustainability initiatives.
Managing Director Evan Maehl added that the Board will convene eight times annually at different locations across the country. This will allow Board members to gain a comprehensive understanding of WM New Zealand’s sites and operations and facilitate direct engagement with the team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This new Board is expected to lead WM New Zealand towards a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and significant growth, aligning with the company’s mission to be a leader in waste management and environmental stewardship in New Zealand.