Baddeley takes over from Ellis at APPEA

State CEDA director Tom Baddeley has accepted a post as the new Western Australian director for the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA).

Mr Baddeley takes over from Richard Ellis who has been with the oil and gas industry lobby group for three years.

APPEA chief executive Belinda Robinson said Mr Ellis is moving on to tackle "new and exciting challenges".

He will be moving to a senior public affairs position with Exxon Mobil.

Mr Baddeley, who is currenlty with the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), will start his new appointment in May, ahead of the 2009 APPEA conference.

Mr Baddeley has a background in law and has worked as a journalist for The West Australian newspaper, Australian Broadcasting Corporation and a media manager with Rugby WA.

APPEA has also appointed Kate Walshe as the new communications director, based in Canberra.

Ms Walshe has been a press secretary to a number of senior ministers and shadow ministers.

She will be responsible for APPEA's media strategy, liaison and management, APPEA marketing and APPEA publications.