OUR TEAM
Passionate and knowledgeable, the work ethic, technical skills and commitment of the EOT team ensures our customers get oils and extracts of consistent, premium quality.
Our team bring a diverse range of skills and experience to the table. We have experts in everything from pharmaceutical synthesis and chemical development to horticulture and international sales. And they’re all very nice people, which we think is essential!
SUSAN DUGGAN
Business Administration Manager
SUSAN DUGGAN
Business Administration Manager
With over 15 years’ of senior administration experience in a variety of industries, Susan has recently joined Essential Oils of Tasmania as Business Administration Manager. Prior to joining EOT, Susan was involved in a variety of roles including project management of commercial developments. As a previous employee of EOT Susan is passionate about the industry and how it has evolved over the years.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Susan’s favorite oil is Fennel because of is distinct aroma and her love of aniseed.
LISA LODS
Business Manager
LISA LODS
Business Manager
With a chemical engineering background and over 25 years in the essential oils and personal care industry, Lisa has worked internationally on several sides of the industry from brand, business and new product development to technical marketing, sales and distribution of both raw ingredients and finished products. Lisa heads the commercial and business aspects of EOT and is passionate about transporting curious customers to Tasmania through our unique and innovative flavours, aromas and extracts.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Lisa’s favourite is a tough competition between Kunzea and Southern Rosalina. Not only are they effective, these pure and unique native Tasmanian oils so wonderfully capture the essence of this magical part of the world.
DEREK ZWART
QA & Special Projects Manager
DEREK ZWART
Manger Agronomy Services
& Special Projects
Derek is a university-trained chemist, with experience in the edible oils and metal extraction industries. He joined EOT in 2004 and since then has had a range of technical and management roles within the company, including Technical Manager, R&D Manager and Chief Operations Officer. Derek’s primary focus in his current role is working with specialist agronomists and growers to improve on-farm performance as well as developing new crops to grow in Tasmania.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Derek’s favourite is the Tasmanian Native Pepper extract because of its unique aroma, taste and untapped potential across a range of sectors.
SAM BAILEY
Production Manager
SAM BAILEY
Production Manager
Sam is an industrial chemist with extensive experience in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals from natural plant extracts. After gaining a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of Tasmania, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry for almost 25 years, becoming a specialist in the development, implementation, and improvement of processes to extract plant materials and convert the products to active pharmaceutical ingredients. Sam joined EOT as Production Manager in September 2018 and is enjoying applying his knowledge to EOT’s unique and growing list of products.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Sam loves Southern Rosalina as it’s a native
and fresher take on traditional lavender.
OSCAR GIUDICI
Agriculture Manager
OSCAR GIUDICI
Farm & Agriculture
Oscar is a talented agricultural scientist with experience in Tasmania’s vegetable, berry and irrigation industries. Oscar recently joined EOT to help manage the essential oil crops at our Brookfield farm and to develop and implement the agronomic knowledge of all our essential oil crops, old and new. Oscar’s role is to collaborate with our growers as well as the production team to continually improve our understanding of the crops and how to get the best oil from them.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Oscar’s favourite is Boronia as it reminds him of growing up in the bush and bringing the flowers home to his mum.
CLARE McELDOWNEY
Senior Chemist & QA Officer
CLARE McELDOWNEY
Senior Chemist & QA Officer
As EOT’s Senior Chemist, Clare conducts research in the area of essential oils and other natural products as well as ensuring all products produced on site meet our extremely high quality standards. Clare holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Tasmania, specialising in natural products and synthetic chemistry. Passionate about essential oils and natural products chemistry, Clare delights in the opportunity to discover something new every day – which happens often at EOT!
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Clare’s favourite is Kunzea as it was the oil that sparked her interest in, and subsequent knowledge of, the incredible biological activities in essential oils.
MARISSA FLEMING
Administration & Accounts
MARISSA FLEMING
Administration & Accounts
Marissa has an administrative background in accounts and payroll with many other varied roles across a broad range of industries. She has been with EOT for nearly four years as the Office and Administrative Manager and is the go-to person for almost everything!
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Marissa loves our Tasmanian Peppermint oil. It’s a great energising oil and has a lovely smell around the site when in production.
LOUISE BARNES
Client Services & Logistics
LOUISE BARNES
Client Services & Logistics
Louise has been in the essential oil industry since the age of 17, starting in the UK and continuing when she moved to Australia in 1993. Louise has worked in all areas of the business including accounts, shipping/logistics and sales.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Louise loves our Fennel oil as it’s the smell she most associates with Tasmania and EOT.
PHIL CAUSON
Field & Production Officer
PHIL CAUSON
Production & Field Officer
Phil has been growing and producing our renowned essential oils and natural plant extracts for nearly 30 years. During his time with EOT, Phil has had the enviable opportunity to be engaged in almost every aspect of the business including the extraction of all oils, agronomic advice to growers, downstream processing of oils including fractionation and absolute conversions. Phil is currently responsible for the sampling, analysis, blending and shipment of our products, as well as the setting up and maintaining of the QA system.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
Phil’s favourite is Tasmannia lanceolata
(Native Pepper) as the aroma always reminds him of the bushland near his home on Mt Wellington.
SIMON WELLS
Strategic Advisor
SIMON WELLS
Strategic Advisor
With over 10 years’ senior management experience with private, public and listed organisations, Simon was appointed CEO of Essential Oils of Tasmania in October 2016 and has transitioned to his current role as Strategic Advisor. Prior to joining EOT, Simon was involved in the mineral and renewable energy sectors, served as a senior political advisor, and was engaged as an Australian-based project consultant for multi-national corporations. Simon is passionate about Tasmania and the quality of its outstanding natural products.
FAVOURITE EOT PRODUCT
While Simon enjoys every essential oil and extract we produce, the intense aroma of our unique Native Pepper extract derived from ancient Tasmanian rainforest shrubs holds a special place in his heart.