Butt Free Australia

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.

Bill Healy is the former National CEO of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA). Prior to joining AHA, he was Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, where he led the amalgamation of Tourism NSW and Department of Sport and Recreation.

Bill has also held senior executive roles with the Enterprise and Career Education Foundation, the Australian Retailers Association and the NSW Premier's Department. He is on the Board of the National Tourism Alliance and has served in a range of Board positions, including Co-Chair of the National Retail and Wholesale Industry Training Council and Deputy Chairman of the Sydney Roosters Rugby League Football Club and Easts Leagues Club.

Bill became a Trustee in late 2008.

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 and resources boards and advisory bodies and is a Life Governor of Apex Australia.

John has been a Trustee since inception.

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.

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.

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 is a Director of Surfrider Foundation Australia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Australia's oceans, waves and beaches. He also holds a number of other Director and Trustee positions.

Geoff has been a Trustee since inception.

Prior to joining the Trust, 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 as Executive Director for the Trust in December 2008.

Sarah Bartlett has a background in environmental science communication and community based social marketing in both private and public sectors. She has worked with scientists across most disciplines, translating research into everyday language, and with journalists nationally to bring science and environment stories to mainstream media.

Sarah's broad experience includes working with ecologists in Darwin while she was with CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, and agronomists, hydrologists and geneticists when she was with Econnect Communication in Brisbane. An interest in behavioural change for a sustainable environment attracted her to working with Butt Free Australia.

Sarah was appointed Project Manager for the Trust in May 2008.