The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) Board has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive.
Samantha McCulloch has been appointed to the role.
Ms McCulloch will join APPEA from the International Energy Agency, having led the IEA Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Unit since 2018.
As an internationally recognised expert in CCUS, Ms McCulloch brings more than 20 years’ experience in energy policy and advocacy within government, the private sector and industry associations in Australia and internationally.
Following the completion of a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce (with Distinction) from the University of Wollongong, Ms McCulloch received a Master of Public Policy (with Merit) from the Australian National University.
APPEA Chair, Ian Davies, said the Board was pleased to welcome Ms McCulloch as APPEA Chief Executive.
“For more than 60 years, APPEA has amplified the voice of our industry and collaborated with governments and communities to provide energy for a better Australia,” Mr Davies said.
“We are very pleased to welcome Ms McCulloch, as an experienced candidate with an informed view of the critical role our industry continues to play in meeting global energy and climate goals.
“Now more than ever, energy has a critical role to play. Reliable, cleaner and affordable energy supply is fundamental to all Australians.
“It is fundamental to keep businesses running. It is fundamental to the economy. It is fundamental to livelihoods and our way of life. And our industry is critical to energy supply both now and into the future.
“We look forward to the important work we will progress together, ensuring APPEA and our member companies are part of the conversation and the solution.”
MCA welcomes McCulloch’s appointment
The Mineral Council of Australia (MCA) has welcomed the appointment of Ms McCulloch as the new Chief Executive of APPEA.
Ms McCulloch is the second executive appointment to an Australian resources industry association in the last few days and an endorsement of women in senior leadership roles in the sector.
MCA Chief Executive Officer, Tania Constable, said, Ms McCulloch has had a distinguished career in energy policy and advocacy in Australia and overseas.
“Her extensive experience working with multiple resource industry stakeholders along with her decades-long knowledge of the sector are two of many key attributes she brings to the role,” Ms Constable said.
“I look forward to working with Ms McCulloch on mutual resource industry issues, particularly at a time when Australia and the world is focusing on global energy.
“I also want to congratulate outgoing APPEA CEO Andrew McConville for his contribution to the resources industry the last three years and wish him all the best for the future.”
