The Executive Team

Matt Taylor

Chief Executive Officer

Salena Loasby

Executive Officer

Katherine Chow

Finance & Administration Officer

Natalia Perez Haedo

Marketing & Communications Officer

Joy Johnston

Policy & Governance Officer

David Pietersen

Industry Digital Strategy Program Manager

Daniel Fels

Economist

Chris King

Data Analyst

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Board of Directors

Strategic Plan 2020-2023

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Matt Taylor

CEO, WRL

Matt Taylor has a strong background in the fishing industry, including years as a commercial fisherman across numerous sectors. He completed a degree with first-class Honours in aquaculture and seafood science before working for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) which included establishing and coordinating the national research flagship for water in WA.

As Chief Executive Officer, Matt has a primary responsibility for the delivery of WRL’s strategic goals and objectives. He provides high level strategic and tactical advice on industry-related issues and coordinates the implementation of the Board’s decisions.

Salena Loasby

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Salena holds qualifications in business and finance and with a wealth of professional experience across diverse industries such as mining, construction, and law, Salena is highly skilled in supporting management to achieve strategic and operational objectives. Prior to joining WRL, she successfully managed her own business in the arts and served as an Account Manager at a Sydney law firm from 2016 to 2022.

In her role as the Executive Officer at WRL, Salena works closely with the CEO, providing meeting administration and support for the board, all committees hosted by WRL, and industry meetings. Salena also supports the CEO by providing oversight and process facilitation for the portfolio of programs and projects under the WRL Industry Partnership Agreement (IPA). She acts as the primary IPA liaison between WRL, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), and third-party research providers such as the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and universities. Additionally, Salena supports the CEO in ensuring the fishery’s Marine Stewardship Certification is maintained.

Katherine Chow

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business and Management Studies from the University of Bradford and she is an Affiliate Member of Governance Institute of Australia.

As Finance & Administration Officer, Katherine provides financial and administrative support for the overall strategic and operational objectives. This includes overarching general operations, oversight of governance arrangements and financial processes of reconciliation and compliance.

Natalia Perez Haedo

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Natalia has a strong background and valuable experience in events management, marketing, and communications with a degree with Honours in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Universidad del Salvador and a graduate diploma in marketing at Universidad Católica Argentina.

As Marketing & Communications Officer, Natalia drives progress in the development and implementation of our communications strategy, including all internal and external communications, media relations, and community engagement.

Joy Johnston

Policy & Governance Officer

Joy Johnston holds qualifications in economics and law and brings over 20 years of experience in senior policy and governance roles with not-for-profit and government organisations across various industries. She briefly worked with a boutique law firm before joining WRL.

As WRL Policy and Governance Officer, Joy is tasked with key research, drafting, and prosecuting responsibilities in response to spatial squeeze threats, such as marine parks, offshore renewable energy, and seismic activities. Additionally, she leads the development and adoption of key strategic objectives, documents, and processes for WRL, including resource access security, independent funding, the constitution, the strategic plan, and the risk registry.

David Pietersen

INDUSTRY DIGITAL STRATEGY PROGRAM MANAGER

David has over twenty-five years of experience in senior IT management across the public and private sectors including the State of Western Australia, Shell, Accenture, BHP, and NBN Co.  David has a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Commerce and is PRINCE2, TOGAF and ITIL certified.

As IT Program Manager David is tasked with engaging stakeholders to plan and deliver the Industry Digital Strategy.

Daniel Fels

ECONOMIST, WRL

Daniel has a background in agriculture and aquaculture economics, with degrees in Science and in Economics from University of Western Australia and a Master of Arts from Murdoch University.

In his role with WRL, Daniel drives delivery of the Understanding the Markets programme, supports the TACC Committee and conducts other economic research, analysis and reporting needs of WRL.

Chris King

DATA ANALYST

 

Chris has a background in business intelligence (BI) and data warehousing across numerous organisations and sectors including Western Power, WesTrac, Chevron, Monadelphous Engineering & St John WA. Chris holds a degree in Science (Software Engineering) from Edith Cowan University and a Master of Business Administration from Curtin University.

As Data Analyst, Chris provides data management, analysis and reporting support for a variety WRL activities including the Understanding the Markets and Industry Digital Strategy programmes.