Our Executive Team

Margaret Donnan
MSc (Chemistry), MAIOH
Chief Executive

Margaret was appointed Chief Executive of PACIA in December 2007. The Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) is the peak national body representing the Australian chemicals and plastics sector. Margaret has had a strong focus on working with government, industry and community stakeholders on legislative reform and other issues impacting on the chemical industry and is committed to sustainability and industry leadership.

Margaret has particular expertise in chemicals management and regulation, and has worked actively with the COAG and the Productivity Commission processes focussing on reform of the regulatory environment over chemicals and plastics – identified as one of COAG’s “regulatory hotspots”.

Prior to joining PACIA in 2002, Margaret worked in government for many years in health and safety at the state and national level, and operated in a range of senior management positions at WorkSafe Victoria. Margaret served as an expert Director of the Advisory Board for the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority, appointed in 2004 by then Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane and reappointed in 2008 by Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson.

Margaret is now serving as a Director on the Board of Brown Coal Innovation Australia.

As Chief Executive of PACIA, Margaret is responsible to the Board of PACIA for the national operations of the Association. Her role includes extensive communication with Ministers and senior officers within the Australian Government and State Governments, the provision of services and advice to senior executives of member companies, and representation of the chemicals and plastics sector in industry meetings and public forums.

Peter Bury
Director, Sustainability and Innovation

Peter has more than 27 years experience in the automotive, materials handling, industrial & agricultural film and association management sectors. During this time his responsibilities have included: manufacturing engineering; marketing and sales; production and plant management; environment, health & safety, research & development, recycling, national issues management and strategic development.

Peter joined PACIA in March 2001 where he has national responsibility for the work of the Plastics Council covering: Plascare" Occupational Health and Safety; Training; Environmental Issues Management and Product Stewardship programs including the National Packaging Covenant; Elimination of Plastics Waste to Landfill policy and programs; Selection on Merit programs including "Plastics - Materials For Our Future"; Degradable Plastics as well as Innovation support.

Peter Gniel
BA (Hons)
Director, Trade and Economic Policy

Peter was appointed Director in late March 2006. Based in Canberra, Peter was previously the Director Energy Policy with the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA). Peter has worked with APPEA for more than seven years, focusing on policy development and government advocacy on energy, resources and greenhouse issues. Prior to this he worked with the Department of Transport and Regional Services. Peter has a BA (Hons) in political science and economics from ANU and brings with him an extensive network within Canberra's political and departmental circles and other industry associations.

Geoff MacAlpine
Director, Industry Development

Geoff joined PACIA in January 2008. His role is national with a strong focus on working with government, industry and community stakeholders on legislative and other issues impacting the chemical industry. Geoff coordinates the very active Network Meetings for PACIA members across Australia.

Geoff has held positions in both the public and private sectors, including roles in research, technical, product development, regulatory, teaching, industry advocacy and business management. He has represented industry in international fora; and has undertaken consultancy work for regional and global industry associations. Geoff has actively and collaboratively worked with a range of industry associations in Australia, North America, Europe, Japan and Asia in progressing industry projects and programs.

John Osborn
BA (Political Science)
Director, Marketing & Communications
Director, Business Development

John joined PACIA in October 2008. He is responsible for all internal and external Marketing and Communications including national and state media and issues management, member and industry publications and PACIA’s online technologies. In 2009 he took on additional responsibility for Business Development. John is also convenor of the yearly National Conference for the chemicals and plastics industries.

Prior to joining PACIA, John worked in marketing and communications management with experience in strategic and tactical communications, direct mail marketing, advertising and corporate fundraising. He has experience working as a political strategist and media advisor on both state and federal election campaigns and qualified as an Officer at Officer Training School in the Royal Australian Air Force.

John is currently undertaking part-time study for a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at the Melbourne Business School.

John is a 3rd Dan Black Belt Instructor of Taekwondo and enjoys reading, cycling and listening to classical music.