APPEA’s Executive team is based in office locations across Australia.
Andrew McConville
Chief Executive
Andrew has more than 25 years international experience across a range of industries and with government in advocacy, policy, corporate affairs and commercial operations. Before joining APPEA in April 2019 he spent a decade with global agribusiness Syngenta, in external affairs and communications.
Damian Dwyer
Deputy Chief Executive
Damian is responsible for APPEA's economic, trade, climate and energy markets analysis and policies. His 25-year public policy career includes positions as an economist at another industry association and in the Australian Public Service.
Sarah Browne
Director Public Affairs
Sarah is responsible for APPEA’s broader community and stakeholder engagement program. Previously a senior advisor to Premiers and Ministers, Sarah most recently worked with a global consultancy specialising in public affairs campaigns.
Julie Hood
Director Member Relations & Events
Julie is responsible for ensuring APPEA delivers maximum engagement and information sharing for its members. She also directs the APPEA events team, delivering top-quality oil and gas industry events, in particular the flagship APPEA Conference & Exhibition.
Jason Medd
Director Environment, Health and Safety
Jason is responsible for APPEA’s Environment, Health and Safety policy and advocacy. His 20-year career includes senior positions within government petroleum policy and reform, the petroleum industry and advocacy.
Simon Staples
Director Commercial
Simon has over 12 years of experience across the Australian Tax Office and Commonwealth Treasury. In recent roles as Senior Director at the ATO, Simon led the ATO’s energy and resources industry strategy, assurance and audit teams.
Ashley Wells
Director Government Relations
Ashley has 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, including senior roles in business, industry associations and federal politics. He has worked for senior ministers, shadow ministers and was previously at FCAI.
Claire Wilkinson
Director Western Australia and South Australia
Claire joined APPEA from Total E&P Australia where she worked as Asset Manager for Total’s participation in the Ichthys LNG joint venture, and prior to that worked at Shell, as a ministerial advisor in Canberra and as a financial journalist in London.
Matthew Paull
Acting Director QLD/Director Env & QLD Policy
Matthew is responsible for onshore EPBC and Queensland policy. He has deep experience in oil and gas regulation, over 20 years’ experience in public policy, and has held senior positions within the federal government.