Advisory Board & Governance | Kainantu Endowment Trust

Advisory Board

The Kainantu Endowment is guided by an experienced Advisory Board whose collective expertise spans governance, law, education, community development, and industry leadership.

Board members provide independent oversight and strategic direction to ensure the Endowment operates with integrity, accountability, and long-term focus. Their experience, including significant work within and alongside Papua New Guinea, strengthens the Endowment’s ability to design programs that are contextually grounded, responsibly governed, and aligned with national development priorities.

Through disciplined stewardship and informed guidance, the Advisory Board helps ensure that the Endowment’s investments in education and skills development create meaningful, sustainable opportunity across Papua New Guinea.

John Lewins

Chief Executive Officer & Director, K92 Mining

John is a Mineral Engineer with more than 40 years’ experience in the global mining industry, having worked across Africa, Australia, Asia, North America, and the former Soviet Union. Throughout his career, he has led the development and operation of open pit and underground gold, precious, and base metal mines, from feasibility through to profitable production.

He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of K92 Mining and previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer. His experience spans senior corporate leadership roles, including Executive General Manager, Director, and CEO with organizations such as MIM Holdings, First Dynasty Mines, Platinum Australia, and African Thunder Platinum.

His background in operational leadership and long-term project development supports the Endowment’s focus on building sustainable education and skills pathways aligned with real employment opportunities.

Anne Giardini, KC

Chair

Anne bring more than 35 years’ experience as a director, senior executive, lawyer, journalist, and author, with deep expertise in governance, strategy, public reporting, financings, mergers and acquisitions, government relations, safety, environmental stewardship, and employment matters.

She spent over 20 years with Weyerhaeuser, serving as General Counsel and later as President of Weyerhaeuser’s Canadian subsidiary. Anne currently sits on the boards of Capstone Copper Corp. and Stella-Jones Inc., and has previously served in leadership and board roles with organizations including Hydro One, TransLink, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Pembina Institute.

Anne has been honoured as an Officer of the Order of Canada and admitted to the Order of British Columbia. Her work with the Endowment reflects a long-standing commitment to responsible resource development, strong governance, and meaningful community outcomes.

Daisy Taylor

Papua New Guinea Government & Community Affairs Advisor; PNG Director, K92 Mining

Daisy was born in the Eastern Highlands region where the Kainantu project is located and brings more than 30 years of business and leadership experience in Papua New Guinea.

Daisy’s career spans senior roles in government, property development, media, and community-focused initiatives. She previously served as General Manager of Nokondi Investments, the property development arm of the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government, and has worked extensively with government agencies, donor organizations, and non-governmental organizations on projects related to democracy, governance, education, and community development.

Daisy’s experience in project management, training, and community engagement brings important local perspective to the Endowment’s work, helping ensure programs are grounded in the needs and priorities of Papua New Guinea communities.

Philip Samar

Senior Advisor, Government and Community Affairs, K92 Mining

Philip is a Mining Engineer with more than 20 years’ experience at the Mineral Resources Authority of Papua New Guinea, the government body responsible for regulating the country’s mineral and exploration sector.

During his tenure, including six years as Managing Director, he worked closely with government, landowners, international organizations, and investors, playing a key leadership role in shaping policy, regulation, and stakeholder engagement across the industry.

Philip’s experience in public sector leadership and regulatory oversight supports the Endowment’s commitment to responsible governance, transparency, and constructive engagement with communities and institutions across Papua New Guinea.

Stanley Komunt

Vice President, Community Affairs and External Relations, K92 Mining

Stanley is a community and government relations professional with more than 25 years’ experience in the mining sector, specializing in corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.

He joined K92 Mining in 2025 and had previously held senior leadership roles with Newcrest Mining Limited, Newmont Corporation, Nautilus Minerals, Morobe Mining Joint Venture, Highlands Pacific, and Ok Tedi Mining. Stanley’s work has focused on community programs, government relations, security, and corporate social responsibility initiatives across Papua New Guinea.

In addition to his role with K92 Mining, Stanley serves as a Director of the PNG Motor Vehicle Insurance Company and has held leadership positions with the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy and provincial health authorities. His experience supports the Endowment’s focus on responsible engagement and long-term community outcomes.

Steven O’Brien

Senior Partner, O’Brien Lawyers

Steven is the founding partner of O’Brien Lawyers, established in 2002, and brings more than 30 years’ legal experience in corporate finance, resources, and petroleum law.

His practice focuses on complex transactions and emerging legal developments, where a strong understanding of first principles is essential. Steven is recognised in the Chambers Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers and has advised on significant projects across Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Steven’s legal and governance expertise supports the Endowment’s commitment to sound structure, compliance, and long-term stewardship of charitable resources.