GEORGE KAULI APPOINTED AS PNGEITI NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) governing and oversight body, the PNGEITI Multi Stakeholder Group (MSG), has appointed Mr. David Kauli as the new Executive Director after a rigorous recruitment process.

Mr Kauli succeeds Lucas Alkan, who served as the organization’s first head since its establishment in 2013.
Mr. Kauli brings a wealth of experience in policy, governance, and resource sector
management, backed by a distinguished career spanning over two decades.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences & Physical Geography from the University of
Papua New Guinea, complemented by numerous certificates in energy governance, economic
aspects of production sharing, and public service induction from institutions in the USA,
Australia, and PNG.

Since joining PNGEITI in 2024 as Director of Policy and Programs, Mr. Kauli has led the
Secretariat’s preparation for transition into a Commission.

He also played a lead role in ensuring subnational reporting clauses were integrated into major resource agreements such as the Porgera Community Development Agreement and the recently initialled Hidden Valley
Community Development Agreement—a first for the PNG extractive sector.

Prior to PNGEITI, Mr. Kauli held several senior roles at the Department of Mineral Policy and
Geohazards Management, contributing to the review of major mining laws and policies, and
representing Papua New Guinea in international forums on deep sea mining and sustainable
resource development.

He brings a wealth of experience to drive the National Secretariat
through.

Mr. Kauli expressed his gratitude to the MSG (Multi-Stakeholder Group) for having confidence
in him.

“I am honored to take on this role and would like to thank the MSG for their confidence in me.
I am committed to working collaboratively to further strengthen transparency and
accountability in our resource sector,” he said.
He also acknowledged Mr. Alkan’s significant contributions.

The PNGEITI MSG is a tripartite body comprising key economic government agencies,
all mining and petroleum companies in operations, and relevant civil society bodies including
Transparency International PNG.