Our leadership team

As a Kiwi company, it’s only right that Z Energy is managed locally. Meet our executive team.

Mike Bennetts – CEO

Mike catching snapper at Omaha Beach

Mike became CEO of Z Energy after 25 years with BP in a variety of downstream roles in New Zealand, China, South Africa, the UK and Singapore. His last role was as CEO of BP’s Eastern Hemisphere supply and trading business.

Mark Forsyth – GM Retail

Mark sailing in Hauraki Gulf

Mark held management positions with Shell in New Zealand, the UK and Ireland. He oversees Z Energy’s 200+ service stations and nearly 100 truckstops, as well as marketing, brand and asset management. Mark is a Director of Loyalty New Zealand Ltd.

Rob Freeman – GM Supply and Distribution

Rob at Coronet Peak

 

Before moving to New Zealand, Rob held senior management roles in Shell Australia in commercial marketing, services, distribution and logistics. He is Chair of New Zealand Oil Services Ltd and a director of Wiri Oil Services Ltd. Rob is responsible for the fuel supply distribution chain, from sourcing in international markets to domestic distribution and supply.

Rob Wiles – General Manager, Corporate

Rob Wiles

Rob has had an international career in corporate finance, infrastructure, treasury management, mergers and acquisitions, strategy and business development. He also has experience in the development of start-up businesses. He started with Z in October.

Rob has recently returned to New Zealand and comes to Z after completing a fixed term contract as Corporate Treasurer with listed company, Contact Energy. Prior to this role he was General Manager, Strategy, at nabCapital based in Melbourne. Rob has held senior positions with NAB, Bank of New Zealand, Southpac Merchant Finance and National Bank of New Zealand.

Huma Faruqui – GM Capability and Organisational Development

Huma at Bluff

Before moving here from the UK in late 2003, Huma worked in HR roles for Deutsche Bank, Cater Allen/Abbey National Bank and Deloitte. In New Zealand she has held HR leadership roles with Vero Insurance and, most recently, Telecom.

Mark Edghill – CFO

Mark visiting Queenstown

Mark has worked in finance and business development roles with Coopers & Lybrand in the UK and Sydney, and James Hardie in Sydney, Manila, and Amsterdam. In 2001 he moved to Crown Castle as Director Finance and Company Secretary, before spending time as a Director for a Brisbane-based aid industry start-up.

Lindis Jones – GM Commercial

Lindis fly fishing in the Ahuriri River

Lindis was Head of Property at ANZ National Bank, leading a number of significant property transactions and developments. Prior to that, he was with Shell for 13 years, primarily in retail operations and strategy in Europe, Asia and New Zealand.

Meredith Ussher – General Counsel and Company Secretary

Meredith has been with Z Energy since May 2010 when the company was acquired from Shell New Zealand. Previously with Todd Energy and the New Zealand Racing Board/TAB, Meredith is an experienced corporate lawyer in both the energy and franchise network industries. Prior to that, she was a Senior Associate with Minter Ellison Rudd Watts.