The Team

JOANNE HOWARTH
Founder & Social Entrepreneur
Joanne is the CEO Planet Protector Packaging. Boasting a successful entrepreneurial track record, it is her vision and leadership that drives the company. In addition to a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney and an MBA from University of Technology Sydney, Joanne has 25 years’ experience in the food and beverage sector.
Always self-employed, Joanne has established a number of businesses including, Boxed to Go Foodservice Logistics, People on the Go, and a multitude of other service and retail businesses.

Peter Hofbauer
Chairman & Board Member
Peter has 25 years’ history in the hotel management space (Hyatt International, Sheraton Hotels, Park Royal) and 5 years owning independent Hotel properties.
In addition, Joanne and Peter have a successful entrepreneurial track record co-owning restaurant, catering, and event businesses (Arizona Restaurants and Bars, Fishermens Wharf Seafoods). Peter’s business acumen, maturity and experience provides the knowledge base that underpins our business strategy and decision making.

Roger Hugelshofer
Business Development QLD
Roger was born in Switzerland and worked most of his life in sales. In 2010, after Roger graduated from Kaderschulen, Zurich with Bachelor of Sales he moved from Zurich to Sydney, Australia. Since then, he has worked for some of Australia’s most iconic brands like Telstra and Toll. Based in Queensland, he works as a Business Development Manager focusing on market growth and managing key accounts.
Roger’s free time is spent in the air, doing competitive wingsuit flying and skydiving. Roger now lives on the Sunshine Coast with his family.

Svetlana Roshchupko
Financial Controller
Svetlana is Planet Protectors financial whiz, having been a Chartered Accountant for over 20 years. She is responsible for managing accounting records, evaluating and managing risk, financial statements, analysing financial data, monitoring expenditure and forecasting revenue.
Svetlana holds a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting from University of Western Sydney. She is mother to three gorgeous children and is a dedicated dance Mom!

Lars M. Ljung
Sustainability Manager
With qualifications in business management and environmental sustainability, Lars’ experience includes working as a research assistant for Manly Environment Centre and Environmental Coordinator for Kenya Sustainability Advisors. His duties span from conducting environmental impact assessments, initiation of environmental management systems and undertaking product research and development. Lars oversees several major research projects for Planet Protector as well as advising clients on sustainable best practice.
In his free time Lars enjoys rock climbing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Rana Raghbendra
Operations Manager, NZ
As Special Projects Manager, Rana assists the senior team in tasks relating to R & D, operations and maintaining business systems. Rana has completed a BBA in International Business from Sharda University and Level 7 Diploma– Business Innovation from ICL Business School.
In his free time he enjoys everything outdoors and cheering on Liverpool FC.

Kunika Singh
Quality & Compliance Head
Kunika leads the development and implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. She fosters a culture of quality and drives initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Kunika holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, QMS lead Auditor and EHS internal auditor certification. She is passionate about finding innovative solutions to complex problems and creating value for businesses and their customers.