Executive Leadership Team

Loui Kannikoski
CEO

Loui is the Founder and Managing Director & CEO of Bhagwan.
He began his business career working in the family cray fishing business and led the family business since the mid-1980s. In 1998, Loui expanded the family’s growing marine business by securing clients in the oil and gas industry as a marine charter operator. In 2000, he further expanded the business and formed Bhagwan.
Loui’s strategy and growth expertise, combined with his operational experience, have provided a strong understanding of the success factors driving Bhagwan’s performance and business.

Andrew Wackett
Executive Director – Finance

Andrew Wackett commenced as Executive Director – Finance on 1 May 2024.
Andrew has extensive experience in investment banking, securities management, and finance. Throughout his career, he has gained significant commercial experience with large Australian and international listed entities. He has developed a deep knowledge of financial matters, leadership, and corporate governance and has worked in executive roles guiding businesses, departments, and teams in formulating and executing strategy.
Andrew was recently the CFO of Fleetwood Limited and a former Division Director of Macquarie Securities Group for 20 years. Before joining Macquarie, Andrew worked at Wesfarmers for over six years.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Cheryl Williams
Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary

Cheryl is Bhagwan’s Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary, joining the Company in February 2018. Cheryl is responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial planning, analysis, reporting, and management for the company. Cheryl has over 15 years’ experience in senior finance roles across multinational corporations, privately owned companies, and public practice.
Cheryl is a Certified Chartered Accountant, and holds a Certificate in Governance Practice from the Governance Institute of Australia, and a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Human Resource Management from the National College of Ireland.

Kerren Kannikoski
General Manager, Corporate Services

Kerren is a co-founder of the business and commenced employment with Bhagwan in 2000 alongside her husband, Managing Director, Loui Kannikoski.
Kerren is responsible for Human Resources, crewing of vessels, payroll, information systems and marketing.

Daniel Shields
General Manager, QHSE

Daniel joined Bhagwan in May 2024 and is responsible for Quality Management, Occupational Health and Safety Management nationally.
Daniel holds an Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety & formal qualifications in Project Management.

Peter Carmichael
General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Development

Peter is an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) qualified Marine Master and Engineer who commenced employment with Bhagwan Marine in 2006. Over his 18-year tenure, Peter has operated and managed numerous vessels across the Bhagwan fleet, advancing through roles from Marine Superintendent and General Manager of Operations in Western Australia. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the company’s operations have been instrumental in fostering strong client relationships and driving business development initiatives.

Peter’s comprehensive knowledge of the maritime industry and strategic insight have led to his current role as General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Development. Peter holds a Graduate Certificate in Business (University of Western Australia)

Grant Bedford
General Manager, Commercial and Business Development

Joining in July 2023, Grant is responsible for the management of commercial functions and business development activities for the Bhagwan businesses nationally.
Grant holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a CPA (Australia) and has a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – Accounting from the University of Western Australia. Previously Grant had 19 years experience in similar roles globally, including Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Gregory Standish
General Manager, Subsea

Gregory is responsible for Bhagwan’s Subsea marine services. This includes business development and technical operations.
Gregory has nearly 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas and defence sectors with companies including DOF Subsea and defence contractor, Phoenix International. Gregory holds a BEng (Hons), Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburgh.

Tom Kannikoski
General Manager – West Coast Operations

Tom commenced employment with Bhagwan in 2014 and has worked in various positions across all regions of the company.
Tom is also the Deputy Designated Person Ashore (DPA) as appointed under the company’s Safety Management System.
Tom is an AMSA qualified Marine Master with 15 years industry experience and is responsible for the safe management of Bhagwan’s operations on the West Coast of Australia.

Luke Morand
General Manager – Northern Territory

Luke began his career with Bhagwan in 2014 as the Northern Territory Fleet Manager and grew within the region to his current role due to his extensive Operational and technical knowledge.
Luke is an AMSA qualified Marine Engineer and has over 15 year of industry experience.

Kevin Clifford
General Manager – Operations East Coast

Kevin commenced employment with Bhagwan in 2014, and is responsible for managing the commercial and operational aspects of tug, barge, towing, marine construction and salvage operations for Bhagwan on the East Coast of Australia.
Kevin is an AMSA qualified Marine Master and Engineer.