Our Executive

Adrian Beer

Adrian is the Chief Executive Officer for METS Ignited. As a global industry leader, he brings extensive experience in the application of technology to the mining sector.

Adrian is passionate about collaborative transformation, business efficiency, and maximising the effectiveness of operations for the benefit of all stakeholders.

With a technical background in mineral processing, Adrian’s career spans project delivery, product technology strategy, small-scale technology start-ups and mining operations. Most recently, Adrian has held global executive strategy roles within two of the world’s largest industrial technology organisations.

As METS Ignited moves into the execution phase of its growth initiatives, Adrian is focussed on strategy delivery, further extending the reach of Australia’s leading Mining Equipment, Technology and Services sector.

Mark Johannessen

Mark Johannessen leads the finance and commercial operations for the METS Ignited Industry Growth Centre.

Mark brings a wealth of knowledge to the Growth Centre from his extensive industry experience working with major METS companies, including Downer EDI’s Mining Division, and global equipment manufacturers Caterpillar and Komatsu Australia.

Mark’s commercial acumen and industry knowledge has seen him represent METS Ignited at industry forums, round tables and conferences – as well as providing guidance and support to Industry Research projects including CRC, CRC-P and ARC applications. Mark heads up the commercial and finance functions for the organisation.

Peter Clarke

Peter Clarke leads METS Ignited’s Industry Engagement nationally, in addition to his role as our senior executive in Western Australia.

With his extensive industry experience – Peter represents the Australian METS Sector internationally – working closely in partnership with Austrade and local membership organisations such as Austmine and AusIMM. Most recently Peter worked with BHP to pilot an Open Supply Innovation Program – connecting challenges with local suppliers and innovators.

Peter manages the cornerstone program of METS Ignited’s Collaborative Project Funds; providing matched investment to companies to accelerate the commercialisation of new technologies and solutions into the mining industry.

Kylah Morrison

Kylah is METS Ignited’s General Manager for WA & SA, a multi-award winning leader and graduate of AICD.

Kylah has over 14 years’ experience working in private companies in the oil & gas industry, indigenous organisations, not-for-profits, and start-ups. From 2016 to 2019 Kylah championed regional economic development as the President, then CEO of the local Chamber of Commerce, and Founding Chairperson of the Pilbara Universities Centre.

Living and working for nine years in Karratha, Kylah has a deep understanding of risks and challenges experienced by corporates, government, local businesses and indigenous organisations operating in remote and regional Australia, particularly in North Western Australia.

Kylah leverages this experience in her current roles as General Manager WA & SA for METS Ignited, and NED for Province Resources. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and Master of Engineering Management from Canterbury University. Kylah is passionate about diversity and inclusion, indigenous affairs, corporate governance and sustainability.

Russell Merz

Russell Merz leads the Industry Research & Technology initiative towards technological commercialisation.

With expertise in integrated science and engineering, Russell has over the past 30 years led and contributed to multi-disciplinary projects in over 40 countries in five continents, along with involvement in innovation, R&D, start-up, early stage and growth stage operational roles.

Russell is using his experience as a leader in the global engineering and delivery of projects to now focus on the engagement between Australia’s miners and researchers by increasing participation of the vendor and investment community to deliver sustainable and long-term commercially viable research outcomes for the resources industry.

Kathleen Conrad

Kathleen oversees the Queensland Work Program on behalf of the Queensland Government and leads the Masterclass initiative nationally.

Coming from senior roles in IT and maintenance in both government and the private sector, Kathleen brings a different perspective to all things METS related.  Her proven skills in turning strategy into outcomes are particularly valuable as METS Ignited moves into the execution phase.

Kathleen is responsible for the Queensland Work Program, a key component of the METS Ignited activities in Queensland. She is also instrumental in the Masterclasses operational program focussing on building METS capability and workforce skills.