Kedi Ilimbit

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

Kedi brings over 25 years experience in the mining industry across coal, iron ore, zinc, lead, silver, and copper sectors. 

He began his career as a graduate with Ok Tedi in 1995, before exploring the Australian resources sector where he worked as Manager Mobile Assets at Koolynobbing Iron Ore operations in Western Australia with Cliffs Natural Resources.  

After rejoining Ok Tedi in 2015, Kedi progressed through key leadership roles such as Manager Mine Maintenance, General Manager Processing, General Manager Asset Management, General Manager Community & Operations Support, and Deputy CEO, before being appointed Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer. 

Kedi holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the PNG University of Technology, a Diploma in Management (Front Line Supervision) and a Graduate Diploma in Maintenance Management from Central Queensland University. 

Alan Bong

General Manager Strategy, Business Development & Optimisation 

Alan has over 28 years of experience in senior mining operational, technical and management roles across Papua New Guinea and Australia.  

Alan started his career in exploration at the Frieda Copper Gold Project before moving to Porgera Joint Venture and has since led operational projects with companies such as Rio Tinto, FMG, and Thiess. 

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Mining Engineering from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, a PNG Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency, and is a professional member of the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (MAusIMM) and The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientist, Managers Australia (MAPESMA). 

Ben Burger 

General Manager Operations 

Ben Burger is a seasoned senior manager and mining industry professional with diverse mine strategy and optimisation experience. 

Ben has held management roles in gold and copper operations across multiple countries including the Boddington Gold Mine and MMG Dugald River Zinc Mine in Australia, the Yanacocha Gold Mine under Newmont in Peru, the Batu Hijau copper mine in Indonesia, and the Porgera Gold Mine and at Newcrest Lihir in Papua New Guinea. 

He holds a Bachelor of Minerals Process Engineering from the University of Queensland, Australia. 

Catherine Costello

General Manager Project Financing 

Catherine has over 25 years of finance experience in the resource industry, including operational finance, corporate financing arrangements, governance, restructuring and sustainability.  

She has experience in CFO, Company Secretary and Director roles for a number of ASX-listed companies, and has previously been involved in mining projects at Lihir, Porgera, Misima and Hidden Valley. 

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland and a Master of Science (Mineral Economics) from the Kalgoorlie School of Mines, Curtin University. She is a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ and PNG CPA), Chartered Secretary (GIA), and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). 

Brendan Gowdie 

General Manager Projects 

Brendan is a strategic manager with extensive experience leading major mining and infrastructure projects with expertise in processing operations, infrastructure development, and agile project delivery. 

Brendan drives operational excellence, sustainability, and long-term growth, while fostering innovation and risk-aware leadership across diverse portfolios and complex operational environments. 

Franz Hemetsberger

General Manager Engineering and Infrastructure 

Franz is a skilled electrical engineer with a passion for optimisation, training and development. 

Franz has worked in management positions for Barrick across several Australian gold and copper mines, and has spent 12 years in senior management positions at Newcrest’s Lihir Gold Operation. 

He has diverse experience across plant maintenance, asset management and operations transformation which he brings to his role at Ok Tedi. 

Franz has an engineering degree from the University of Queensland. 

Roberto Justo

Chief Financial Officer, General Manger Finance and Commercial

Roberto has more than 30 years of experience in accounting, Banking and commercial finance and has been part of Ok Tedi’s Finance Department for over 15 years. 

He has a Bachelor of Science and Commerce, Majoring in Accounting, from the San Beda College, and is a Certified Public Accountant of Papua New Guinea (CPA PNG) and with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). 

Jesse Pile

General Manager Social Performance and Sustainability 

Jesse brings a wealth of environmental, social and stakeholder experience from his roles across several Papua New Guinea mines. 

Jesse started his career with BHP Exploration before moving to Minorco Exploration, and Misima Mines. He joined Ok Tedi in 2003, working his way up to Manager Environment and then moving into the community relations space.  

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), a Master of Science degree in Environmental Geochemistry (UPNG) and a Diploma in Management from Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE. 

Kevin Russell 

General Manager People & Culture 

Kevin is an extensively experienced organisational practitioner and business executive, with over 40 years’ experience in​ improving and transforming business to achieve fundamental and lasting change.​ 

He has worked in and consulted across all major business sectors, including mining, oil and gas, manufacturing (cars, beverages, and food), engineering and construction, financial services, pharmaceuticals and government.