Co-founder Neville Sawyer stepped down as Chairman and Robert Humphris was appointed as the company’s first independent Chairman. Mr Humphris provided a highly experienced and objective viewpoint as Ampcontrol restructured for continued growth. He had significant expertise in industry as well as working with Government.

A Director of Leighton Holdings Ltd and Australian Infrastructure Fund Ltd, Mr Humphris had twice served as Chairman of the NSW Minerals Council, was a former Chairman of the Australian Coal Association and Newcastle Shippers Ltd. He had been a Director of Australian Coal Research Ltd and Port Waratah Coal Services Ltd. He had also represented the Australian Government on the Coal Industry Advisory Board, a part of the International Energy Agency.