Our team

James was appointed CEO of ProTen in 2023, following his tenure as the company’s CFO and Company Secretary from 2017 to 2023.

With over 25 years of experience in senior management and finance, James has a diverse background spanning the poultry, banking, investment, and mining industries. Before joining ProTen, he served as CFO of Finders Resources, an ASX-listed mining company. His career also includes key roles with CHAMP Ventures, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and Macquarie Bank.

James holds a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

When James isn’t ruling the roost at ProTen, you can find him sailing, exploring the outdoors and spending time with his family.

Henryk was appointed CFO and Company Secretary of ProTen in 2023. With over 20 years of experience in finance across the poultry, construction, manufacturing, and investment banking industries. Prior to joining ProTen, Henryk was CFO of Evolution Precast, a PE-owned growth company. He has also held roles in Australia and Europe with BESIX Group, ABN AMRO and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Henryk holds a Master in International Finance, a Master in Business Engineering and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia). Henryk enjoys spreading his wings, travelling, spending time with his family, playing golf, running, and attending various kids and professional sports games

Graham joined ProTen as a Regional Operations Manager in Griffith 2016 and was appointed Operations Manager in 2019.

With over 38 years of experience in poultry management, climbing through various roles in broiler and breeder management before becoming Livestock Manager at Steggles/Baiada. His tenure in Griffith and Beresfield, NSW equipped him with comprehensive insights into poultry operations, spanning breeder management, hatchery, broiler production, and live bird pickup.
Graham has transitioned from overseeing local Griffith farms to expanding his responsibilities overseeing operations in QLD, NSW and VIC and taking an active role in the growth and development of the business.

When not on the clock, Graham is enjoying time with his growing family and getting used to living the outdoor life in QLD with his boating and fishing adventures.

With over 30 years of experience in the poultry industry, Chad Dilks oversees ProTen’s operations in South Australia and Western Australia. His career spans roles in Grandparent Stock, hatchery operations, and parent stock rearing, as well as running his own business, Tantus Trading, which provided services and represented global pharmaceutical and equipment companies for the poultry sector.

Since joining ProTen in 2016, Chad has progressed through various leadership roles, including Farm Manager, Project Manager, and Regional Operations Manager. He brings comprehensive knowledge of poultry farming and a passion for making a positive impact on both his team and operations.

Outside of work, Chad enjoys exploring the sea and cruising on his motorcycle. As he puts it, his career may be “FOWL,” but it’s also his greatest passion.

Meagan joined ProTen as National Human Resources Manager in early 2023 and leads the Human Resources and Payroll functions, aligning its people strategy with business goals.

Meagan brings over 15 years of experience in people across diverse industries – including agriculture, utilities, local government, not-for-profit, mining, and hospitality. She is committed to fostering a positive workplace culture that enhances employee engagement and hatches the next generation of leaders at ProTen.

Meagan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management), qualifications in training and safety and is working towards a Masters in Employment Law.

Outside of keeping the flock happy, you’ll find Meagan spending time with her family, camping, and reading a good book.

Dern Pease was appointed National Construction Manager at ProTen in 2023, following a two-year consulting agreement during which he provided similar services as a contractor. With over 30 years of experience in major project delivery, Dern brings a wealth of expertise to ProTen’s construction and development initiatives.

Formally trained in both Mechanical Engineering and Work Health and Safety, Dern has held senior leadership roles across diverse industries, including general engineering and manufacturing, maintenance and construction, local government services, transport and cranage, civil contracting, and high-voltage electrical maintenance services. His broad expertise ensures ProTen’s construction projects are executed with precision, safety, and efficiency.

When Dern isn’t overseeing ProTen’s construction operations, you can find him enjoying family activities such as 4WD adventures, caravanning, motorsports, and all forms of motorcycling.

Ashley joined ProTen as Development Manager following the company’s acquisition of Fairglen Farms, where he served as CEO. In his current role, Ashley represents ProTen on key industry bodies, oversees the company’s climate transition plan, and manages various strategic and ad hoc projects.

With 36 years of experience in the broiler chicken industry, Ashley brings a wealth of technical expertise and leadership to ProTen. His career spans veterinary science, general management, and business improvement roles at industry leaders such as Steggles, Bartter Enterprises, and Inghams. Before migrating to Australia, Ashley was a Director of Rainbow Chicken, South Africa’s largest poultry producer.

Ashley holds a degree in Veterinary Science, an MBA, and a Master’s in Veterinary Public Health Management, equipping him with a unique combination of technical knowledge and business acumen.

When Ashley isn’t helping ProTen spread its wings, you can find him cycling, paddleboarding, or enjoying time away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Heather was appointed to the Board of ProTen in 2021. She is currently a director of the Rural Financial Counselling Service. Her previous non-executive roles include Agricultural Innovation Australia, AgriFutures Australia, the Victorian Workcover Authority, and the West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

Heather’s executive career included senior leadership roles nationally and internationally, with Alliance Group, Fonterra, Simplot, and Bluescope in the fields of procurement, stakeholder engagement, supply chain and safety.

In 2016, Heather was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to primary industry.

Heather is qualified in agricultural science, holds a Master of Business Administration, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Rural Leadership Program.

Outside of counting chickens at ProTen, Heather spends her time running her farm in Gippsland, bush walking and travelling.

Bill Williams is a Director on the Board of ProTen since 2025 and a Board Advisor prior to that.

Andrew Jennings (Sydney) joined the Board of ProTen in 2025, as well as being a Director of KKR Australia and a member of the Asia Pacific Infrastructure team.

Andrew is responsible for infrastructure investments in Australia and New Zealand, and serves on the Board of Directors of Spark Infrastructure, Ritchies Transport and Queensland Airports.

Prior to joining ProTen, Andrew was a sector lead for the energy & utilities team within QIC’s global infrastructure business. Andrew has led transactions across various sectors including renewable energy, regulated utilities and transport.

Previously, Andrew worked in Deutsche Bank’s corporate finance team in both London and Sydney, specialising in infrastructure & utilities.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), with First Class Honours, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland.

Lydia Zhu (Sydney) joined the Board of ProTen in 2025.

Lydia has been involved in KKR’s investments in Aster Renewable Energy, Spark Infrastructure and Pinnacle Towers.

Prior to joining KKR, Lydia was an associate at Macquarie Capital in Sydney and Hong Kong, where she was actively involved in both advisory and investment activities across renewable energy and infrastructure. She started her career with Plenary Group in Sydney.

Lydia holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the Australian National University and is a Chartered Accountant (Australia and New Zealand).