Environmental infrastructure company Tellus has appointed Anna Dartnell as its new chief executive officer, effective from 1 July 2026.
She succeeds Nate Smith, who has led the company for nearly six years and helped establish it as a nationally significant environmental services and infrastructure business, as reported by multiple media reports.
Leadership change
Dartnell currently serves as Tellus' chief operating officer. In that role, she has overseen operations across the company's environmental infrastructure assets and services portfolio.
Her promotion comes as Tellus prepares for its next phase of growth in Australia's waste management, remediation and circular economy sectors.
Three decades of experience
Dartnell brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across infrastructure, logistics, resources, energy and industrial operations.
Before joining Tellus, she was Group Executive Bulk at Aurizon. She led a business with more than 2,200 employees and managed integrated transport and logistics operations across rail, road, port and terminal networks.
She has also held senior roles at Bis Industries, GM Holden, Carlton & United Breweries, EY and Rio Tinto Iron Ore.
Her board experience includes positions with Horizon Power, Brightwater Care Group and Kimberley Ports Authority.
Focus on growth and sustainability
As CEO, Dartnell will lead Tellus' strategy to expand its environmental infrastructure footprint and strengthen partnerships with customers, communities and industry stakeholders.
She would focus on supporting Australia's transition to a more sustainable and circular economy while helping address complex industrial, hazardous and radiological waste challenges.
Demand for advanced waste management and environmental remediation services is growing rapidly across Australia, particularly in mining, energy and critical minerals industries.
Dartnell's statement
Announcing the appointment on LinkedIn, Dartnell described, “It's a genuine privilege to be stepping into the role of CEO at Tellus.”
“It's a business with a strong purpose, nationally significant infrastructure, and a team that cares deeply about what we do and why it matters,” she added.
“I'm looking forward to the journey ahead, working alongside the board, our team, customers, communities and shareholders to keep building a business that delivers long-term value and impact. We have a clear strategy, strong momentum, and a meaningful role to play in Australia's future,” she concluded.
With Dartnell at the helm, the company is positioning itself to play a larger role in sustainable infrastructure, hazardous waste management and circular economy solutions.