Lead Team
Rhys Jones
Chief Executive
Officer, Managing
Director
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Rhys Jones
Chief Executive
Officer, Managing
Director
- Rhys joined Vulcan in 2006 as an Executive Director and became Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director in 2011.
- Rhys has previously held several management positions within the steel industry including as an executive of Fletcher EasySteel NZ and General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Steel and Wiremakers.
- Rhys was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Carter Holt Harvey’s Pulp, Paper, Packaging and New Ventures division at the time of the Rank Group takeover.
- Rhys also serves as a director of Ridley Corporation and Metro Performance Glass.
- Rhys holds a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University of Wellington. In addition, Rhys holds a Bachelor of Business Studies with first class honours and a Masters in Business Studies by thesis from Massey University.
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Kar Yue Yeo
Chief Financial
Officer
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Kar Yue Yeo
Chief Financial
Officer
- Kar Yue is the Chief Financial Officer, leading Vulcan’s finance and
accounting teams. Kar Yue is responsible for Vulcan’s financial strategy,
reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
- Kar Yue consulted to Vulcan for over two years before joining the Company
in December 2020. Prior to joining Vulcan, Kar Yue worked as an adviser
to several publicly listed and private businesses in New Zealand and
overseas in the consumer foods and industrial sectors on process
improvement, product range optimisation, channels-to-markets and
business portfolio rationalisation and strategies.
- Kar Yue has worked in financial markets for over 25 years, with previous
roles at Jarden, Citigroup and Deutsche Morgan Grenfell across
New Zealand, Australia and Asia as an equity research analyst covering
a range of industrial sectors including steel, and held leadership roles
during this period.
- Kar Yue was also an auditor for three years.
- Kar Yue holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from
Victoria University of Wellington.
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Adrian Casey
Chief Operating
Officer
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Adrian Casey
Chief Operating
Officer
- Adrian has responsibilities for overall Group procurement and works closely with each of the business division leaders on strategic and key commercial matters.
- Adrian has worked in the steel sector in Australia and New Zealand for over 40 years. He held management positions in a major New Zealand steel distribution operation before establishing his own downstream steel business which was successfully merged with Vulcan in 1998. During his tenure with Vulcan, Adrian has had, at various times, fiscal responsibility in relation to each business division in both New Zealand and Australia.
- Adrian holds a New Zealand Certificate in Quantity Surveying from the Christchurch Polytechnic, and completed the Advanced Management Program from the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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James Wells
Chief Information
Officer
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James Wells
Chief Information
Officer
- James is responsible for innovation, health and safety, brand and
marketing and capital expenditure at Vulcan.
- Prior to joining Vulcan in 2004, James consulted to Vulcan, whilst
competing in professional sport. James took on responsibilities for
reviewing and implementing Vulcan’s IT systems.
- James documented, designed and managed the development of
Vulcan’s fit-for-purpose IT software, and has led Vulcan’s NZ Health
& Safety and Group Capital program since 2012.
- James has completed courses in innovative technologies, business
process modelling and object-oriented analysis.
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Helene
Deschamps
Leadership
Development
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Helene
Deschamps
Leadership
Development
- An ICF-accredited leadership coach, Helene is Vulcan’s executive team
partner resource for leadership development.
- Helene is also a Managing Director (Executive & Leadership Coach)
at ChangingNow.
- Helene has held senior positions as a Strategy, Sales & Marketing
and People Development & Culture specialist with global and NZ
organisations including Capgemini and Carter Holt Harvey, with
a focus on shaping behaviour and culture to achieve the desired
performance outcome.
- Helene holds a BA in Political Sciences (France), a Masters of Business
Administration (South Africa), and an Evidence Based Coaching Master
Certificate (USA).
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Gavin Street
Chief Commercial Officer
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Gavin Street
Chief Commercial Officer
- Gavin joined Vulcan in October 2024 as the company’s Chief Commercial Officer.
- As Vulcan’s CCO, Gavin will be responsible for the company’s commercial activities, including engagement with customers and business strategy. Gavin is based in Melbourne, Australia.
- Prior to joining Vulcan, Gavin held a number of leadership positions including Chief Executive Officer roles at Lawrence & Hanson Australia (L&H) and Reece Group’s Australia and New Zealand operations. During Gavin’s tenure at Reece Group, he was also Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer. Prior to Reece Group, Gavin was CFO at Westpac New Zealand.
- Gavin has a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Computing, Accounting and Information Systems from Monash University, Melbourne
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Lou Cadman
New Zealand Leader
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Lou Cadman
New Zealand Leader
- Lou joined Vulcan in March 2024 and leads Vulcan’s businesses in New Zealand.
- Lou has extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution industries focused primarily on the New Zealand building and construction sector. His experience includes over eight years as Chief Executive of New Zealand Panels Group and General Management roles at Fletcher Building leading the Fletcher Aluminium and Forman Group businesses.
- Lou holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) from the University of Canterbury and is a Chartered Accountant with Charted Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
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Matthew Lee
Australia Leader
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Matthew Lee
Australia Leader
- Matthew leads Vulcan’s procurement and property activity in Australia
- Matthew has over 20 years’ experience within highly competitive distribution markets.
- Prior to Vulcan, Matthew held procurement and manufacturing managerial roles in the packaging industry.
- Such positions include Group Procurement and Logistics Manager at Pro-Pac Packaging Group, General Manager – Procurement and Manufacturing (Australia, New Zealand, and China) at San Miguel Yamamura Australasia and International Purchasing Manager at Cospak.
- Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New South Wales, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science from The University of Tasmania, a Master of Management from the University of Wollongong and a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
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Bradley Childs
Australia Leader
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Bradley Childs
Australia Leader
- Bradley leads Vulcan’s Australian distribution business.
- Prior to Vulcan, Bradley has held a number of senior management roles in both Australia and Europe, with PACT Group, VISY and Newell Rubbermaid. These roles have encompassed R&D, technical, sales, P&L and general management.
- Bradley holds a PhD (Chemistry) and BSc (Hons, Chemistry) from the University of New South Wales, together with a Masters of Organisational Leadership from Monash University.
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Richard Love
Australian Leader
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Richard Love
Australian Leader
- Richard leads Vulcan Steel’s Engineering Steel business in Australia.
- With over 20 years of experience in the metals industry across the country from manufacturing to warehousing and distribution, Richard’s industrial distribution background has specialised in supply to the mining and manufacturing industries. Richard has held operational, procurement and sales-based positions as well as site and unit leadership.
- Richard has completed courses in People & Performance Leadership, as well as Strategic Sales Performance
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Rhys Jones
Chief Executive
Officer, Managing
Director
- Rhys joined Vulcan in 2006 as an Executive Director and became Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director in 2011.
- Rhys has previously held several management positions within the steel industry including as an executive of Fletcher EasySteel NZ and General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Steel and Wiremakers.
- Rhys was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Carter Holt Harvey’s Pulp, Paper, Packaging and New Ventures division at the time of the Rank Group takeover.
- Rhys also serves as a director of Ridley Corporation and Metro Performance Glass.
- Rhys holds a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University of Wellington. In addition, Rhys holds a Bachelor of Business Studies with first class honours and a Masters in Business Studies by thesis from Massey University.
Kar Yue Yeo
Chief Financial
Officer
- Kar Yue is the Chief Financial Officer, leading Vulcan’s finance and
accounting teams. Kar Yue is responsible for Vulcan’s financial strategy,
reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
- Kar Yue consulted to Vulcan for over two years before joining the Company
in December 2020. Prior to joining Vulcan, Kar Yue worked as an adviser
to several publicly listed and private businesses in New Zealand and
overseas in the consumer foods and industrial sectors on process
improvement, product range optimisation, channels-to-markets and
business portfolio rationalisation and strategies.
- Kar Yue has worked in financial markets for over 25 years, with previous
roles at Jarden, Citigroup and Deutsche Morgan Grenfell across
New Zealand, Australia and Asia as an equity research analyst covering
a range of industrial sectors including steel, and held leadership roles
during this period.
- Kar Yue was also an auditor for three years.
- Kar Yue holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from
Victoria University of Wellington.
Adrian Casey
Chief Operating
Officer
- Adrian has responsibilities for overall Group procurement and works closely with each of the business division leaders on strategic and key commercial matters.
- Adrian has worked in the steel sector in Australia and New Zealand for over 40 years. He held management positions in a major New Zealand steel distribution operation before establishing his own downstream steel business which was successfully merged with Vulcan in 1998. During his tenure with Vulcan, Adrian has had, at various times, fiscal responsibility in relation to each business division in both New Zealand and Australia.
- Adrian holds a New Zealand Certificate in Quantity Surveying from the Christchurch Polytechnic, and completed the Advanced Management Program from the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania.
James Wells
Chief Information
Officer
- James is responsible for innovation, health and safety, brand and
marketing and capital expenditure at Vulcan.
- Prior to joining Vulcan in 2004, James consulted to Vulcan, whilst
competing in professional sport. James took on responsibilities for
reviewing and implementing Vulcan’s IT systems.
- James documented, designed and managed the development of
Vulcan’s fit-for-purpose IT software, and has led Vulcan’s NZ Health
& Safety and Group Capital program since 2012.
- James has completed courses in innovative technologies, business
process modelling and object-oriented analysis.
Helene
Deschamps
Leadership
Development
- An ICF-accredited leadership coach, Helene is Vulcan’s executive team
partner resource for leadership development.
- Helene is also a Managing Director (Executive & Leadership Coach)
at ChangingNow.
- Helene has held senior positions as a Strategy, Sales & Marketing
and People Development & Culture specialist with global and NZ
organisations including Capgemini and Carter Holt Harvey, with
a focus on shaping behaviour and culture to achieve the desired
performance outcome.
- Helene holds a BA in Political Sciences (France), a Masters of Business
Administration (South Africa), and an Evidence Based Coaching Master
Certificate (USA).
Brendon
Chandulal
Australia Leader
- Brendon leads Vulcan’s distribution, coil and plate operations
(Steel division) in Australia.
- Prior to Vulcan, Brendon held various leadership roles in the packaging
industry such as Executive General Manager (Food & Beverage
Australia) at Pact Group, Primary Packaging Division General Manager
at Visy,
and Operations Manager at Southcorp Packaging.
- Brendon holds a Bachelor of Science (Physics) from the University
of Waikato and a New Zealand Certificate of Mechanical Engineering
from the Auckland Technical Institute.
Matthew Lee
Australia Leader
- Matthew leads Vulcan’s procurement and property activity in Australia
- Matthew has over 20 years’ experience within highly competitive distribution markets.
- Prior to Vulcan, Matthew held procurement and manufacturing managerial roles in the packaging industry.
- Such positions include Group Procurement and Logistics Manager at Pro-Pac Packaging Group, General Manager – Procurement and Manufacturing (Australia, New Zealand, and China) at San Miguel Yamamura Australasia and International Purchasing Manager at Cospak.
- Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New South Wales, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science from The University of Tasmania, a Master of Management from the University of Wollongong and a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Bradley Childs
Australia Leader
- Bradley leads Vulcan’s Australian distribution business.
- Prior to Vulcan, Bradley has held a number of senior management roles in both Australia and Europe, with PACT Group, VISY and Newell Rubbermaid. These roles have encompassed R&D, technical, sales, P&L and general management.
- Bradley holds a PhD (Chemistry) and BSc (Hons, Chemistry) from the University of New South Wales, together with a Masters of Organisational Leadership from Monash University.
Ken Collin
Australian Leader
- Ken is responsible for Vulcan Steel’s aluminium operations in Australia (which were acquired through the acquisition of Ullrich Aluminium in August 2022).
- Ken was previously responsible Vulcan Steel’s Sales Force Effectiveness across Australia and from 2015 to 2021 he led Vulcan’s steel distribution business in New Zealand.
- He has consulting experience in strategy and change projects across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.
- Ken holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales (majoring in History and Political Science).
Richard Love
Australian Leader
- Richard leads Vulcan Steel’s Engineering Steel business in Australia.
- With over 20 years of experience in the metals industry across the country from manufacturing to warehousing and distribution, Richard’s industrial distribution background has specialised in supply to the mining and manufacturing industries. Richard has held operational, procurement and sales-based positions as well as site and unit leadership.
- Richard has completed courses in People & Performance Leadership, as well as Strategic Sales Performance
Lou Cadman
New Zealand Leader
- Lou joined Vulcan in March 2024 and leads Vulcan’s businesses in New Zealand.
- Lou has extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution industries focused primarily on the New Zealand building and construction sector. His experience includes over eight years as Chief Executive of New Zealand Panels Group and General Management roles at Fletcher Building leading the Fletcher Aluminium and Forman Group businesses.
- Lou holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) from the University of Canterbury and is a Chartered Accountant with Charted Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Gavin Street
Chief Commercial Officer
- Gavin joined Vulcan in October 2024 as the company’s Chief Commercial Officer.
- As Vulcan’s CCO, Gavin will be responsible for the company’s commercial activities, including engagement with customers and business strategy. Gavin is based in Melbourne, Australia.
- Prior to joining Vulcan, Gavin held a number of leadership positions including Chief Executive Officer roles at Lawrence & Hanson Australia (L&H) and Reece Group’s Australia and New Zealand operations. During Gavin’s tenure at Reece Group, he was also Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer. Prior to Reece Group, Gavin was CFO at Westpac New Zealand.
- Gavin has a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Computing, Accounting and Information Systems from Monash University, Melbourne