Our People
Our Team
Meet the experienced professionals driving PNG's petroleum development and national energy strategy
Roster last updated: April 2026
Team Members
Board Directors
Executives
Years Combined Experience
Mr. Joe Peiti Atomu
Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer
Board of Directors & Executive Leadership
Mr. Joe Peiti Atomu serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Togole Petroleum Energy Limited, bringing over 15 years of extensive experience in the mining and petroleum industry. With a degree in Business Management, he provides strategic leadership and oversight across all aspects of TPEL's operations. His expertise spans developing human capital within the organization, including evaluating and coaching the work of other senior leaders. Mr. Atomu is committed to maintaining up-to-date technology, benchmarking leading practices, exploiting market channels, and leading the company's commitment to quality. His visionary leadership has positioned TPEL as Papua New Guinea's premier national petroleum company.
Expertise:
Mr. Dudley Yariyari
Legal Representative
Legal & Compliance
Mr. Yariyari is a highly qualified legal professional, holding an LLM from the University of Melbourne and an LLB with Second-Class Honors from the University of Papua New Guinea. As the Principal of Yariyari Lawyers, he brings rigorous legal acumen and a dedication to regulatory compliance. His expertise ensures that TPEL operates with integrity and transparency, adhering to national and international legal standards while safeguarding the interests of stakeholders and communities.
Expertise:
Mr. Francis Waina
GM - Projects Geo-Science Tech & Engineering
Technical Operations
Francis brings to the company a wealth of knowledge, having worked in the oil, gas and mining industries in both PNG and Australia for over 27 years. Completing degrees at the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of Queensland, Francis has extensive experience in the structural interpretation of the PNG Foldbelt play, well site operations, and petrophysical analysis. His technical leadership ensures TPEL's projects are executed with precision and innovation.
Expertise:
Mr. Peter Woyengu
Exploration Manager
Exploration
Mr. Woyengu is a petroleum geologist with more than 27 years of professional experience. Educated in geology with a specialization in petroleum geology, he has served in both public and private sectors, including tenure at Papua New Guinea's Department of Petroleum and Energy. His comprehensive expertise in exploration and project management ensures that TPEL's operations are innovative, efficient, and aligned with industry best practices.
Expertise:
Mr. Bolton Towok
Deputy Chairman & Project Manager
Board of Directors & Project Management
Mr. Towok holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economic Geography from the University of Papua New Guinea. He is an experienced professional in development management, project planning, and execution. His strategic oversight of TPEL's projects ensures they are economically viable, socially impactful, and aligned with the company's goals of sustainable development.
Expertise:
Mr. Richard Castillo, CPA, ASA, AIA
Chief Financial Officer
Finance
Mr. Richard Castillo is an experienced senior accounting professional with extensive expertise in financial management, IFRS implementation, and financial controls. He has a proven track record of transitioning organisations to International Financial Reporting Standards, streamlining accounting processes to improve efficiency, and reducing costs. His broad experience across ERP systems, financial modelling, and strategic planning makes him a pivotal leader in steering TPEL's financial strategy and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability.
Expertise:
Mr. Elijah D Wallwork
Project Engineer
Engineering
Educated at Auckland University of Technology, Mr. Wallwork has extensive experience in business development, company restructuring, and risk management. Having held senior management roles in multinational corporations, he brings valuable expertise in engineering and project execution to TPEL. He is also a director and owner of several international firms, adding a global perspective to the company's operations.
Expertise:
Mr. Otto Nelson Kidoro
Business Development & Management Advisor
Business Development
Mr. Kidoro is an economist and business development specialist with over 35 years of experience in business start-ups and public investment. Currently serving as a director of the Bougainville Savings & Loans Society and Business Development Manager for the Bougainville Public Investment Corporation Limited, he provides TPEL with expert advisory services in infrastructure project financing and contract administration. His extensive experience is vital for strategic partnerships and sustainable project execution.
Expertise:
Mrs. Alova Sere
Administration Manager
Administration
Mrs. Sere holds a diploma in Information Systems and brings extensive administrative expertise to TPEL. With experience spanning public and private sectors, she plays a critical role in streamlining the company's administrative functions, ensuring operational efficiency, and supporting organizational cohesion. Her leadership ensures the smooth day-to-day functioning of the company.
Expertise:
Mr. Mauri Sere
General Manager
Human Resources
Mr. Sere holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Psychology and brings over 10 years of experience in human resources, including recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development. He is a strong advocate for gender equality and social inclusion, actively promoting these values within TPEL's operations and broader community engagements.
Expertise:
Mr. Eddie Lamur
GM - Finance Accounting
Finance
Mr. Eddie Lamur oversees all financial operations, ensuring fiscal discipline and strategic investment alignment for TPEL's energy projects. His expertise in financial management and accounting ensures that the company maintains strong financial health while pursuing ambitious growth objectives.
Expertise:
Mr. James Hun
General Manager – Information & Communication Technology
Information Technology
Mr. James Hun is a seasoned technology executive with over 24 years of leadership experience in IT and management. He holds an MBA from Divine Word University and a BSc from the University of Papua New Guinea. His career includes key roles directing major IT initiatives for BSP and International SOS, along with serving as CEO of Mendi Muruks RFLC. As a Board Director of Bougainville Wings and leader of multiple SMEs, he brings strategic innovation and operational excellence to drive Togole Petroleum's digital transformation and technological advancement.
Expertise:
Mr. Wesley Togulai Diave
Director — Togole ToWaragat Group Limited & Togole Petroleum Energy Limited
Board of Directors
Mr. Wesley Togulai Diave serves as Director of both Togole ToWaragat Group Limited and Togole Petroleum Energy Limited, bringing 39 years of distinguished telecommunications and infrastructure experience to the Group's leadership. His career, spanning from PTC through Telikom PNG to Telikom Limited, was defined by the implementation of major optical fiber projects across Papua New Guinea — building the communications backbone that underpins modern PNG. A specialist in Outside Plant Technology and Optic Fiber systems, Mr. Diave combines deep technical expertise with a proven track record of delivering large-scale national infrastructure projects. His breadth of knowledge in project implementation and telecommunications infrastructure provides both Boards with a unique perspective on PNG's critical infrastructure landscape and the strategic role energy plays within the Group's broader resource and commercial portfolio.
Expertise:
Mr. Wesley Betabete
Director — Togole ToWaragat Group Limited & Togole Petroleum Energy Limited
Board of Directors
Mr. Wesley Betabete brings a unique blend of technical expertise, spiritual leadership, and community service to his role as Director of Togole ToWaragat Group Limited and Togole Petroleum Energy Limited. With a background spanning mechanical maintenance, carpentry, and ordained ministry spanning over three decades, Wesley has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development and service. His diverse career path — from hospital maintenance work to vocational training to full-time ministry — reflects his dedication to practical problem-solving and community welfare. As Treasurer of his clan and Director of both TTG and TPEL, Wesley combines his technical skills, spiritual values, and community leadership experience to guide the organisation's strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with community interests and sustainable development principles.
Expertise:
Mr. Michael Kalakale
Board Member — Togole ToWaragat Group Limited & Togole Petroleum Energy Limited
Board of Directors
Mr. Michael Kalakale brings extensive experience in government administration, community leadership, and stakeholder engagement to his role as Executive Board Member of Togole ToWaragat Group Limited and Togole Petroleum Energy Limited. With a background spanning customs operations, local governance, and clan leadership, Michael provides valuable insights into PNG's regulatory environment and community relations. His long-standing commitment to community service and local development — including 15 years as a Ward Member and 6 years as Clan Chairman — aligns perfectly with the Group's core values of community partnership and sustainable prosperity.
Expertise:
Join Our Team
TPEL is committed to developing Papua New Guinean talent and building a world-class petroleum company. Explore career opportunities with PNG's national energy leader.