Our People

  • PAUL SMITH - MANAGING DIRECTOR

    Paul began his career as a truck driver for the KS Environmental Group. Since then, Paul has worked overseas in diverse businesses before re-joining the family business in 1989. Paul has filled the roles of General Manager and at present is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a turnover in excess of $30 million.

    Paul has a breadth of expertise in all operational areas as well as management. Paul held the position of President of the Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) for 8 years and remains involved in the VWMA and other industry associations. Paul takes an active role in liaising with the Group’s key clients and has a hands on approach to his business.

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  • TONY HAWKE - CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

    Tony was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020 and prior to that had been heading the Sales and Marketing division of the business for ten years. He brings to the company more than 20 years industry experience and has worked in various roles from driver through to Sales Manager, providing him with a well-rounded knowledge of waste and recycling solutions. Most notably, he ran a staff of more than 100 over multiple depots in North Queensland, assisting the mines with set-up of waste and recycling services.

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  • SUSANTHA APARAKKA - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & COMPANY SECRETARY

    Susantha is a senior finance professional with over 18 years of chartered experience in leading global businesses. He has extensive experience in the waste industry ranging from partnering with finance/commercial business as well as industry leaders.

    He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in developing finance systems, process improvements and managing budgets. He works closely with front-line staff to assist them with making positive contributions to the business and challenges them to maximise their potential.

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  • KEN BANNAN - HR MANAGER

    Ken has been the company’s HR manager for the past 12 years. Ken and his department manage all HR and Work Place Health and Safety requirements. Ken has a wealth of experience in the HR field and has worked for some well-known Australian companies such as Carlton & United Breweries and the Fosters Brewing Group, John Holland Constructions and Note Printing Australia over a period of 30 years. His knowledge and expertise have helped KS Environmental Group to develop and implement the latest staff management models and up skill existing staff through training programs as well as implementing succession plans for staff members in order to keep them motivated and working with the KS Environmental Group.

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  • CHANTEL UNDERHILL - KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER

    Chantel is our Senior Major Account Manager with experience managing medium to large accounts and with her background in both dry and liquid waste with near 10 years’ experience in account management, tender writing and project management forms her mindful but competitive approach.

    Chantel has a unique way of building relationships with her customers which she believes is the key to providing a dedicated and reliable service.

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  • DARREN SOUTER - ENGINEERING SERVICES MANAGER

    Darren has been a part of the KS Environmental Group for more than 20 years. Initially Darren developed our sophisticated fleet management systems and workshops, more recently he has engineered and developed solutions for our major customer group and now oversees all Maintenance, Engineering and Project Management.

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  • GRANT PHELAN - DRIVER TEAM LEADER

    Grant first started with KS Environmental back in 1979 when it was a pig farm and has been with the company ever since. He started out as a rear lift truck driver, then moved on to front lift and progressed through to being a team leader.

    Grant has substantial experience and unsurpassed working knowledge of KS Environmental operations and is a great asset to the team.

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  • RUSSELL HALL - Senior Supervisor

    Russell has been with the organisation for over 10 years and has been a senior supervisor in the waste and recycling industry for more than 20 years. Russell is a very highly regarded qualified professional and has been responsible for the current City of Kingston contract for the past 3 years.

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