OTDF board appoints Mari as chief executive officer
THE Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Board has recently announced the appointment of Andrew Mari as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Chairman Jesse Pile said the Board unanimously endorsed Mr Mari’s appointment in recognition of his outstanding leadership, extensive experience, and commitment to sustainable community development.
Mr Mari has been serving in leadership positions within OTDF for several years and previously acted as CEO from Nov 2024 to March 2026. During this period, he made significant contributions towards strengthening corporate governance and enhancing the financial stewardship of Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) future generation funds.
“Andrew has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to OTDF’s mission of improving the lives of communities in Western. His passion for agribusiness, sustainability, and social empowerment closely aligns with OTDF’s charitable purpose and long-term development goals,” Mr Pile said.
Mr Mari began his professional career with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) in 2008 as a Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) trainee. He was appointed community relations officer in 2010 and subsequently promoted to superintendent responsible for Community Relations Operations in Kiunga.
Following his departure from OTML in 2016 to pursue postgraduate studies, Mr Mari joined OTDF in 2019 as coordinator sustainable development. Since then, he has held several senior leadership roles, including:
Superintendent Community relations Kiunga, OTML
Coordinator sustainable development, OTDF
Manager Program Services & Sustainable Development, OTDF
Executive Manager Program Services, OTDF
Acting Chief Executive Officer, OTDF
Mr Mari holds a Master of AgriCommerce from Massey University, New Zealand, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Merit from the PNG University of Technology. He is a Certified Practicing Agriculturist (CPAg), a Member of the Ag Institute Australia and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). He is currently undertaking a Master of Business Administration at Divine Word University and is expected to complete the program at the end of 2026.
As CEO, Mr Mari will continue to advance OTDF’s strategic priorities, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, community development, governance excellence, and long-term social and economic outcomes for CMCA communities.
The OTDF Board congratulates Mr Mari on his appointment and looks forward to supporting him in his new leadership role.
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