Cleanaway Waste Management Limited (ASX: CWY) announced the Cleanaway board appointment of Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO on 28 January 2026. The independent Non-Executive Director appointment will be effective from 1 February 2026. This marks a significant addition to the Company’s leadership team.
Figure 1: Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO, appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director of Cleanaway Waste Management Limited. (Source: AICD)
https://www.aicd.com.au/about-aicd/authors-speakers/a-g/dr-vanessa-guthrie.html
The Cleanaway director appointment forms part of the Board’s ongoing renewal process. Chairman Philippe Etienne stated Dr Guthrie’s extensive director and executive leadership experience will add further depth and strength to the Board. The appointment follows the retirement of Mr Rob Cole in December 2024.
Who Is Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO?
Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO brings over 40 years of experience in the resources sector. Her career spans mining, energy and large-scale infrastructure operations. She has held senior leadership roles across operations, sustainability, external affairs and corporate development.
Dr Guthrie previously served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASX-listed Toro Energy Limited. She also held the position of Chair of the Minerals Council of Australia. Her experience covers ASX, TSX and NYSE listed companies as well as government and not-for-profit boards. This background strengthens confidence in the Cleanaway director appointment announced this quarter.
What Current Roles Does Dr Guthrie Hold?
Dr Guthrie currently serves as Chair of IGO Limited. She is a Non-Executive Director of Santos Limited, Lynas Rare Earths Limited and Orica Limited. Dr Guthrie also holds the position of Deputy Chair of Cricket Australia and Chancellor of Curtin University.
Figure 2: Cleanaway Waste Management signage at one of the Company’s operational facilitiest. (Source: Cleanaway)
The Cleanaway Waste Management news highlights her deep experience overseeing asset-intensive, safety-critical operations. She brings expertise in complex regulatory environments and long-term capital investment. Dr Guthrie maintains a strong focus on sustainability and stakeholder engagement. The Cleanaway Waste Management news highlights her extensive portfolio of senior governance roles.
What Qualifications Does Dr Guthrie Bring to Cleanaway?
Dr Guthrie holds qualifications in geology, environment, law and business management. She earned a PhD in Geology, demonstrating academic rigour. These credentials complement her extensive practical experience in the resources and infrastructure sectors.
Her qualifications align with Cleanaway’s operational requirements and strategic direction. The combination of academic background and executive experience provides a valuable perspective. The Cleanaway board appointment strengthens governance capabilities across technical and commercial domains. The Cleanaway director appointment reflects a structured governance transition at the board level.
Why Is This Cleanaway Board Appointment Significant?
The appointment represents continued Board renewal following Rob Cole’s December 2024 retirement. Chairman Philippe Etienne emphasised the addition supports strategy execution. Dr Guthrie’s experience in safety-critical operations aligns with Cleanaway’s operational profile.
Figure 3: A Cleanaway Waste Management collection vehicle in operation. (Source: Fairmont Equities)
The Company operates over 350 locations across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. Cleanaway manages Australia’s largest waste and industrial services fleet with over 6,400 vehicles. The Board requires expertise in complex operations and regulatory management.
Cleanaway Share Price and Market Performance
Cleanaway shares are currently trading at $2.520 with a market capitalisation of $5.62 billion. The stock has traded in a 52-week range of $2.460 to $2.960 per share. The Cleanaway director appointment announcement provides stability to the governance structure.
Figure 4: Cleanaway Waste Management Limited share price performance over the past year. (Source: ASX)
About Cleanaway Waste Management Limited
Cleanaway Waste Management Limited is Australia’s leading sustainable waste management, industrial and environmental services company. The Company employs over 10,000 people operating across a number of locations. Operations span Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Cleanaway manages Australia’s largest waste and industrial services fleet. The Company maintains an extensive network of recycling facilities, transfer stations, engineered landfills, liquid treatment plants and refineries. Cleanaway is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
The Company works alongside customers, communities, governments, regulators and industry partners. Cleanaway is committed to delivering on its purpose of making a sustainable future possible together.
Final Thoughts
The Cleanaway board appointment of Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO strengthens leadership capabilities. Her 40 years of resources sector experience brings valuable perspective. The appointment continues the Board’s systematic renewal process.
Dr Guthrie’s expertise in asset-intensive operations aligns with Cleanaway’s operational profile. Her focus on sustainability matches the Company’s strategic direction. The effective date of 1 February 2026 ensures smooth integration into Board processes. The Cleanaway Waste Management news reflects continuity and depth in governance planning.
FAQs
Q1. When does Dr Vanessa Guthrie join the Cleanaway board?
Ans. Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO will join the Cleanaway board as an independent Non-Executive Director effective from 1 February 2026, following the announced Cleanaway board appointment.
Q2. What experience does Dr Guthrie bring to Cleanaway?
Ans. Dr Guthrie brings over 40 years of experience in the resources sector, including senior leadership roles and previous positions as Managing Director of Toro Energy Limited and Chair of the Minerals Council of Australia.
Q3. What other boards does Dr Guthrie currently serve on?
Ans. Dr Guthrie currently serves as Chair of IGO Limited and as a Non-Executive Director of Santos Limited, Lynas Rare Earths Limited and Orica Limited, plus Deputy Chair of Cricket Australia and Chancellor of Curtin University.
Q4. Why did Cleanaway appoint Dr Guthrie to the board?
Ans. The appointment forms part of the Board’s ongoing renewal process following Rob Cole’s retirement in December 2024 and adds depth and strength to support strategy execution.
