Cleanaway Names Samantha Hogg Chair-elect to Drive Blueprint 2030 Execution

By John Zadeh -

Cleanaway names Samantha Hogg as Chair-elect ahead of Philippe Etienne’s retirement

Cleanaway Waste Management (ASX: CWY) has appointed Independent Non-Executive Director Ms Samantha Hogg as Chair-elect, with the transition set to take effect at or around the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 22 October 2026. The appointment follows Mr Philippe Etienne’s decision to retire from the Board, after nearly 12 years of service and tenure as Chair since September 2023. Ms Hogg brings more than six years of Board experience with Cleanaway, supporting an orderly handover with no disruption to strategic direction.

A seasoned leader steps into the Chair role

Hogg’s background and board credentials

Ms Hogg joined the Cleanaway Board in November 2019 and currently chairs the Human Resources Committee while serving as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Her executive career spans the transport, infrastructure, energy and resources sectors, with senior roles at both Transurban Group and Western Mining Company across finance, strategic projects, marketing and corporate services. Her most recent executive position was Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Transurban Group.

Her current external board positions include:

  • Chair of Syrah Resources
  • Non-Executive Director of GrainCorp Limited
  • Non-Executive Director of IGO Limited

Etienne’s legacy at Cleanaway

Mr Etienne joined the Board in 2014 and has guided Cleanaway through a period of material growth and transformation. During his tenure, he oversaw several significant acquisitions, including:

  • Toxfree
  • Sydney Resource Network
  • Global Renewables Limited
  • Contract Resources
  • Citywide

He also played a central role in the development, refresh and execution of Cleanaway’s Blueprint 2030 strategy.

Philippe Etienne, Chair

“I will leave the Company later this year knowing it will be in the safe hands of a very experienced Chair-elect and a highly capable Board and management team.”

Samantha Hogg, Chair-elect

“I look forward to working with the Board, management and our people as we continue to execute our Blueprint 2030 strategy and deliver long-term value for shareholders.”

Why board succession planning matters for ASX investors

The appointment of a new Board Chair is a governance event that listed company investors should take note of. The Chair sets the Board’s agenda, oversees management accountability, and acts as the primary representative of shareholder interests at the board level.

Whether a successor is appointed internally or externally carries practical implications. An internal appointment, where an existing Non-Executive Director steps into the Chair role, signals institutional stability and reduces transition risk. An incoming Chair who already knows the business, management team, and strategy requires no onboarding period.

In Cleanaway’s case, Ms Hogg’s six-plus years on the Board means she is deeply familiar with the company’s operations, culture, and strategic priorities before assuming the chair.

Philippe Etienne Samantha Hogg
Board joined 2014 November 2019
Years of service ~12 years 6+ years
Role held Chair (from Sept 2023) Chair-elect (from Oct 2026)
Key focus Acquisitions & Blueprint 2030 Blueprint 2030 execution

Continuity at the helm as Blueprint 2030 enters execution phase

The transition has been structured to preserve strategic momentum at a time when Cleanaway’s Blueprint 2030 framework is firmly in its execution phase. Both Mr Etienne and Ms Hogg have been closely involved in shaping and progressing that strategy, meaning no change in direction is anticipated. Cleanaway operates across more than 350 locations in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East, employs a team of over 10,000 people, and manages a fleet of more than 6,400 vehicles. At that scale, governance continuity is not a formality; it is operationally significant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Samantha Hogg and what is her role at Cleanaway?

Samantha Hogg is an Independent Non-Executive Director who joined the Cleanaway Board in November 2019. She has been appointed Chair-elect and will formally assume the Chair role at or around Cleanaway's AGM on 22 October 2026.

Why is Philippe Etienne leaving Cleanaway's Board?

Philippe Etienne is retiring from the Cleanaway Board after nearly 12 years of service, including his tenure as Chair since September 2023. His decision to retire has triggered the planned Chair succession to Samantha Hogg.

What is Cleanaway's Blueprint 2030 strategy?

Blueprint 2030 is Cleanaway's long-term strategic framework that has been developed and refreshed under Philippe Etienne's chairmanship. It is currently in its execution phase and will remain the central strategic focus under incoming Chair Samantha Hogg.

What is the significance of appointing an internal candidate as Board Chair for ASX investors?

An internal Chair appointment, where an existing Non-Executive Director steps up, signals institutional stability and reduces transition risk because the incoming Chair already understands the business, management team, and strategy without requiring an onboarding period.

When does Samantha Hogg officially become Chair of Cleanaway?

Samantha Hogg is expected to become Chair of Cleanaway at or around the company's Annual General Meeting scheduled for 22 October 2026, when Philippe Etienne formally retires from the Board.

John Zadeh
By John Zadeh
Founder & CEO
John Zadeh is a investor and media entrepreneur with over a decade in financial markets. As Founder and CEO of StockWire X and Discovery Alert, Australia's largest mining news site, he's built an independent financial publishing group serving investors across the globe.
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