Butt Free Australia, as Trustee for the Butt Littering Trust, is managed in accordance with its constitution by a Board of Directors.
In order for Butt Free Australia to act as a Trustee, all directors of the company must be 'responsible persons' as defined under the Trust Deed.
Directors are individuals who are recognised by their peers as having expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- litter management - policy, practices, programs
- waste and/or resource management - policy, practices, programs
- litter/waste management - research, measurement, benchmarking
- environmental/sustainability management - communication, education
- local government management
- land or facility management
- tobacco industry and products
- other skills or experience relevant to cigarette butt litter reduction
Directors are appointed to Butt Free Australia as individuals because of their expertise and interest in reducing the environmental impacts caused by cigarette butt litter and littering. They do not represent any particular organisation, body or group in their role as a Director.
A registered Australian tobacco manufacturer participating in the financing of the Trust, who is a member of the company, does however retain a right to appoint a representative director to Butt Free Australia.
The roles and responsibilities of the Chair and the Directors are clearly defined in Position Descriptions. Click on the following titles to download pdf files: Butt Free Australia Position Description - Chair (335 KB) | Butt Free Australia Position Description - Director (386 KB)
Butt Free Australia was supported by a full time Chief Executive Officer and appropriate administraive support prior to ceasing operation at the end of 2011. The Directors listed below guided Butt Free Australia, as trustee for Butt Littering Trust, prior to initiating a process of voluntary member's liquidation in December 2011.
Chair
Ian Coles – FAICD, BE (Hons), Grad Dip Bus Admin
Ian Coles currently works as a professional company director and consultant. He is also Chairman of Sustainable Packaging Alliance Ltd and is on the Boards of Central Highlands Water Corporation, Product Stewardship Australia Pty Ltd, the Brian Robinson Foundation, Barwon Regional Waste Group and the International Solid Waste Association.
Ian has over thirty years' experience as a senior manager in the public and private sectors, delivering and managing practical environmental programs and projects. He was CEO of EcoRecycle Victoria for nine years.
Ian has been a Trustee since inception in 2003, and Chair since 2004. He was appointed a Director & Chair of Butt Free Australia in August 2010.
Directors
John Phillips OAM
John Phillips has been the Executive Director of KESAB, a leading South Australian NGO environmental education body since 1988. He has over 25 years experience working with government, business and the community, focusing on social management and change initiatives, education, engagement and environmental sustainability.
John has extensive understanding and knowledge of community engagement and education, waste management processes, and the development and implementation of initiatives through partnerships. He is also widely experienced in applying state and local government policies and strategies to community education and action. John has served on numerous waste & resources boards and advisory bodies. He is a Life Governor of Apex Australia.
John has been a Trustee since inception and was appointed a Director in August 2010.
Valerie Ritchie
Valerie Ritchie has completed postgraduate studies in public affairs, marketing and environmental management. Her career has included a number of senior roles in issues management, corporate communication, corporate social responsibility and market research.
Valerie has a keen personal interest in product stewardship and littering behaviour change, which she continues to pursue through her involvement with Butt Free Australia.
Valerie was appointed as a Trustee in early 2006. She was appointed as a Director of Butt Free Australia in August 2010.
Louise Warburton
Louise Warburton joined British American Tobacco Australia just over eight years ago and has held roles in both Finance and Corporate and Regulatory Affairs. She is currently Head of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Australasia.
Before joining BAT Australia, Louise spent two years in London, during which time she worked in financial roles and undertook extensive travel. Prior to this, having completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at UNSW, Louise gained her Chartered Accounting accreditation working for five years as an auditor in KPMG Sydney's Assurance and Advisory department.
Louise was appointed as a Trustee in late 2008 and as a Representative Director in August 2010.
Geoff Withycombe
Geoff Withycombe has an Applied Science degree in coastal management and works for the Sydney Coastal Councils Group. In his role as Executive Officer, Geoff is responsible for implementing the Group's Strategic Plan. He provides advice, policy development and decision making support for the 15 member councils.
Geoff has extensive experience at all levels in business administration, development and implementation of environmental and strategic policy and environmental best practice with a focus on coastal management and climate change adaptation. Over the last 15 years Geoff has also gained significant experience in government policy, business, lobbying and advocacy together with liaison and negotiation with all levels of government, non-government organisations and private enterprise.
Geoff has been a Trustee since inception and was appointed a Director in August 2010.
Chief Executive Officer
Wendy Jones
Prior to joining Butt Free Australia, Wendy Jones fulfilled the role of Chief Executive Officer of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria for nearly two years.
Wendy previously spent ten years in Darwin, primarily as the Executive Director of Tourism Training NT, returning to Melbourne in 1998 to run her own hotel in regional Victoria. From there, she was invited to join Restaurant & Catering Victoria as its Chief Executive Officer, a position she held for over five years.
In her early career, Wendy held numerous positions in the Victorian Public Service in human resource management, before moving into the tourism and hospitality industry, and now the environment sector.
Wendy was appointed Chief Executive Officer in December 2008.
