Highly regarded industry leader Janette Hewson has today been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
Ms Hewson will replace outgoing Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane, who is retiring from the role at the end of the year.
Janette is a born and bred Queenslander with more than 25 years’ experience in resources at a senior executive level.
Her most recent role was Executive Vice President, ESG at ASX Top 20 company Santos and she has previously held senior positions with global resources companies South 32 and Peabody Energy.
Janette has held numerous state and national board and industry association roles throughout her career, including on the QRC Board. She has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from QUT and Bachelor of Arts (Modern Asian Studies and Japanese Language) from Griffith University and is a former winner of Queensland’s Exceptional Woman in Resources award.
QRC Board President Adam Lancey said Janette is well known for her leadership and deep industry experience and her appointment will be welcomed across the sector.
“Janette will lead the QRC at a time when the industry faces changes, challenges and opportunities as the sector continues to power Queensland’s economy while providing the minerals and materials needed for decarbonisation,” he said.
“Under her leadership, the QRC will continue to prioritise and promote the highest industry standards in health and safety, diversity and inclusion and environmentally responsible operating practices.
“The QRC will also continue to promote the importance of the resources sector to the long-term future of Queensland and advocate for policy to ensure the industry has the certainty and stability to keep investing in projects and skills.”
Ms Hewson said she was looking forward to working constructively with stakeholders including governments, local communities and regional partners to achieve positive outcomes for the state’s resources sector and for all Queenslanders.
“It’s an immense privilege to represent an industry that underpins the Queensland economy and supports the jobs of more than 530,000 people,” she said.
“For this to continue, we need all stakeholders focussed on industry stability and the ongoing, long-term jobs and business opportunities our sector can provide.
“I wish Ian Macfarlane all the best in his retirement, and I look forward to leading the QRC into its next exciting chapter.”
Janette will begin her role at the QRC early next year.
