Our People

Ken Kanofski is an accomplished director, independent advisor and former CEO with extensive leadership experience. 

Ken has a deep knowledge and experience of the waste and recycling industry having led WSN Environmental Solutions for a decade. Ken’s executive roles have spanned across notable organisations such as NSW Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Land and Housing Corporation, and Government Property NSW. Ken has been a board member and chair on national policy bodies, statutory authorities, industry bodies and community organisations, contributing significantly to policy at a state, national and international level. He is previous director of the Australian Landfill Owners Association and Environment Business Australia.

Nate led the legal approvals and community engagement to launch Sandy Ridge, Australia’s first radiological waste disposal facility. He also has been invited to speak globally on his successes in consent-based siting in the field of radiological facilities.

Nate is a global leader with a consistent record of success in a broad range of industries – including logistics, warehousing and distribution, technology, mining, infrastructure and waste management. He has deep experience in managing a wide range of capital raisings and achieving complex government approvals, having closed deals in 60+ countries, with values up to US$16.6 billion. Nate has additionally led the launch of multiple start-ups and also served as a senior executive at, or advisor for, some of the largest companies in the world.

Prior to joining Tellus, Nate was Vice President and lawyer for UPS in Atlanta (USA), where he supported various areas of a multi-billion dollar business, UPS’s Emerging Markets business unit. He also helped launch Ware2Go, a technology and logistics venture backed by BCG Digital Ventures.

Nate holds a Juris Doctor with High Honours from Emory Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs with Distinction from the University of Virginia. He is qualified to practise law in New South Wales, California and Washington D.C. and is a former adjunct professor of international legal transactions at Emory Law School.

Patricia has 40 years’ experience,with a background that includes roles as a Non-Executive Director, CEO, CFO and EY Partner.

She was CEO of the largest Australian freight rail leasing & maintenance business, Rail First Asset Management, where she served for over 16 years, initially as CFO, driving business growth from early-stage development to a business managing assets of over $500M.

Her industry experience includes a broad range of industries (including heavy asset management, airlines, oil & gas, & manufacturing), wholesale trade, consumer retail, media, financial institutions & SaaS businesses.

Patricia’s other directorships currently include Chair of the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation with prior board roles held in all companies in the Rail First Asset Management Group, including joint ventures with Marubeni Corporation, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

Chris is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the industrial services and waste management sectors.

His career highlights include leadership roles as CEO and Managing Director at Brambles Industrial Services, Cleanaway Australia, BIS Cleanaway, and BIS Industries. He has a track record of enhancing shareholder value through strategic sales and business growth. Notably, he oversaw the privatisation of WSN Environmental Solutions and managed significant mining contracts with BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

Currently, Mr. Berkefeld chairs Evoro, serves as a director for Jerrara Power, and advises Goldstone private equity.

Sabina is a distinguished mining engineer with over three decades of experience in senior roles across various leading mining and consulting firms.

Her career is marked by a strong emphasis on people management and project management in both underground and surface mining operations.

She has also played a pivotal role in mining education and industry engagement as the Director of the Kalgoorlie Campus for Curtin University’s WA School of Mines. Her leadership and advocacy for women in mining have been recognised with prestigious awards, including the inaugural Women in Resources Champion and in 2015 was named a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM).

Currently, Sabina contributes her expertise to several committees and boards, continuing her impact on the mining industry.

Joe is an experienced senior executive and director with 24 years of involvement in the digital, education, telecommunications, and sports technology sectors.

He has a history of leading customer-centric organisations to success and currently serves as the Executive Chairman of The Ripple Group. In his 10 years at SEEK he was the Managing Director of SEEK Education and Managing Director of SEEK Employment, with 11 years in telecommunications at Singtel-Optus in various management roles. Prior to this he was the CEO of the publicly listed company Catapult Sports.

Joe also contributes his expertise to several boards, including the Richmond Football Club and the Scanlon Foundation. He was appointed to the Tellus board by Hume Partners Investment Group.

Nick is a seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience in various industries and international markets. His expertise spans treasury and corporate finance, where he played a pivotal role in bond issuances and share buybacks for BHP.

Transitioning to the oil and gas sector, Nick contributed to significant investments in Brazil’s pre-salt oil fields with BG Group and Shell.

In Australia, as Head of Finance for Pacific National’s mining division, he was integral in achieving record results in 2019.

Nick holds a Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne and is a certified CPA with additional qualifications in finance and investments.

Anna is a purpose-driven executive, specialising in large-scale business transformation and growth execution in organisations essential to Australia’s economic growth. Her career spans a diverse mix of industries and commodities, bringing together a unique blend of strategic, operational and commercial leadership experience.

Prior to joining Tellus, Anna built her career facilitating productivity improvement in complex operating environments, as both a functional lead and strategic advisor. She’s a proven operational executive, with experience spanning Mining & Resources, Manufacturing, Transport and Critical Infrastructure.

A graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, Anna has previously been recognised as a Telstra Business Women’s Awards finalist, Business News 40Under40 award winner and recipient of the University of Western Australia Strategic Alliance Award.

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Ryan is an executive with more than two decades’ experience providing legal and strategic public policy advice. He is a former Chief of Staff to reformist ministers at Federal and State Government level, across a range of portfolios including Treasury, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications, and also has experience in the public service, as a member of the NSW Treasury Leadership Team .

Prior to working in government, he held legal counsel and government affairs roles in banking and financial services organisations through periods of significant regulatory change and reputational challenge.

Ryan has qualifications in Arts (Industrial Relations) and Law from the University of Wollongong and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management at University of NSW.

Rajneel Sharma brings over 20 years of finance and accounting experience across Fiji and the Pacific Islands. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Financial Management, and Economics and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). Rajneel’s expertise spans financial management, analysis, technical accounting, and strong business acumen, making him a key contributor to organisational governance and performance. His regional experience offers valuable insights into the unique opportunities and challenges businesses face in the Pacific. Rajneel spent over a decade with EY as a chartered accountant before joining Pacific National, where he served as Business Partner Principal. His proven track record and deep understanding of financial operations position him as a trusted advisor and strategic partner in driving sustainable growth.

Tim has more than 20 years’ experience working in sales and the waste industry, focused on hazardous materials. He has a diverse industry background working in finance and manufacturing providing waste solutions to industries including automotive, stewardship, waste, chemical, power generation and general manufacturing.

Tim holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Monash University and a Graduate Certificate Business (Accounting), and has completed advanced courses in Kepner Tregoe problem solving and Scotworks negotiating.

Previous roles have included Business Development and Sales Management in national roles with ASX 100 companies. Tim’s technical experience includes Waste to Energy, chemical immobilisation & stabilisation, and development of customer orientated total waste solutions.

Robert has more than 24 years’ experience working in the radiation protection industry across a broad range of sectors. He has extensive experience in radiation consultancy, training, emergency response and management of commercial radiation services.

Robert’s expertise covers in-depth knowledge in the management and handling of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material and high activity sources, plus radiation transport and emergency response, both within Australia and globally.

Jade is an accomplished Gooreng Gooreng woman with a wealth of experience in economic development and major projects, particularly within the Australian Government.

Her extensive 20-year career is marked by her expertise in stakeholder engagement, trade, and investment, which has significantly contributed to the enhancement of Aboriginal leadership and engagement.

With a strong educational background in Business, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Project Management, and Adaptive Leadership, Jade is a respected member of the CSIRO Indigenous Innovation Alliance Steering Committee. She is a staunch advocate for integrating cultural, land, and sea management considerations into commercially viable solutions. Additionally, Jade plays a pivotal role in the North Australia Marine Parks Advisory Committee, advising on a range of issues from tourism to conservation, ensuring that Australian Marine Parks are managed effectively and sustainably.

Slade has more than 16 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry specialising in the treatment, management and disposal of drilling waste and associated services.

His previous appointments include Sales Manager, Operations Manager and Business Unit Manager for multiple international Oil & Gas service companies.

Slade holds technical experience in project management, contract and operational management for waste, resources and energy infrastructure in the Australia Pacific Region.

Bronte brings with her over 20 years’ experience in sales and business development, across advertising, finance, health, travel, environmental services and waste management.

With a strong focus on meeting the needs and nurturing relationships with her customers, Bronte is highly skilled in building business relationships, portfolio and account management, business development, marketing and corporate sales.

Blake has more than 15 years’ experience working in the mechanical, construction, recruitment and waste management industries. He has extensive experience in Business Development, Account Management, Project Management and Operations at multiple ASX listed companies.

Blake’s technical and sales expertise covers in-depth knowledge of end-to-end solutions for a broad number of waste streams, including hazardous chemical and radioactive waste.

Gus McLachlan AO retired from the Australian Army in 2019 after a 37-year career, finishing as a Major General and Commander of Land Forces, leading 35,000 personnel. He previously served as Head of Army Modernisation, partnering with industry to recapitalise Army equipment and integrate advanced technologies.

Following his service, Gus joined Boral, Australia’s largest construction materials company, where he led business performance and improvement during a major transformation program.

He now advises organisations in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom on strategic risk, defence industry trends, and technology adoption. Gus is also National Security Adviser at the University of Sydney and a Director of both the Williams Foundation and AMDA Foundation. He is a frequent speaker on leadership, resilience, and global security.

Steve’s career spans two decades of leadership in infrastructure development and operations, with a focus on mining, property, transport, and waste management. His global experience includes roles in Europe, Asia, and Australia, emphasising the creation of value through innovative solutions.

He champions building collaborative teams to achieve client objectives and has a track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects successfully, as demonstrated by the Sandy Ridge project on time and under budget during the challenging Covid-19 period.

Steve’s professional background is solidified by his tenure at notable firms like Jacobs, WSP, BHP, and Newcrest, and his qualifications from Camborne School of Mines, complemented by his membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.