David Katte is a Director of BCR and moonlights as the CFO. David joined forces with his father Ray Katte and Robert Hunter to form what is now known as BCR in 1995. David is celebrating his 37th year as a BCR employee, joining the company in December 1983 in what was then known as Frank Cridland Ray Katte Customs Agency.
A passionate industry advocate, David chaired the former CBFCA and represented the industry during the transition by Australian Border Force to their current system ICS. Apart from his Finance skills, David is a highly competent business analyst. It was through his passion for Finance and IT that David met his beautiful Tawnya.
David is a Sydney boy through and through, and when he is not plying his trade at BCR, you will find him join enjoying the many culinary delights connected to his wife’s business. David loves the outdoors and can often be found hiking away in one of NSW and Australia’s beautiful national parks.
David, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?BCR is such a big part of my life. The people and the journey are what I enjoy most.
Robert Hunter
Rob is a Director of BCR and has been with the company since 1995. Rob’s passions are the customers of BCR. Many of our customer associations extend back to the Cridland days. Rob is a passionate advocate for our customers and ensuring BCR plays our role to enable their business success.
Rob grew up in a working-class family in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and is a proud Newington old boy. He loves the great outdoors, his family, friends and his border collie dog, Jessie.
Rob, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? When we look after our customers, the rest takes care of itself!
Michael Thirgood
Michael Thirgood is the CEO at BCR. Michael joined BCR in January 2010 as the Queensland State Manager. When the company transitioned from a state-based Freight Forwarder to a National Freight Forwarding, Customs and 3PL service provider in 2014, Michael was appointed as COO. In 2018 Michael became CEO. Michael’s passion has always been the people he works with and delivering service excellence to customers! This passion was born early in his career when he led a 2-year period of growth in what is now the world’s largest shipping line / logistics provider that saw his team grow from 7 to 70 staff.
One of Michael’s favourite sayings, which now adorns the walls of all BCR offices, is “in everything you do, stop and think, how does this impact the customer”? It is this mindset that is instilled in all the team at BCR, and part of the reason why BCR is considered one of Australia’s leading Freight Forwarders, Customs Broker and 3PL providers.
Michael is a proud Australian and Queenslander, a member of the Brisbane Broncos and a passionate supporter of any team that bleeds maroon! Outside of BCR, Michael’s passions are education, sport, his family, and fitness. Having climbed to basecamp at Mt Everest, run marathons and paddled Bass Strait, Michael is always on the lookout for his next challenge.
Michael, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?Quite simply, I get up each weekday morning and I look forward to going to work!
Rowena Wan
Rowena is the Finance Controller for BCR. Rowena joined BCR in 1997 and is based in our Head Office in Sydney, Australia. It is there that she has led our Finance team for the last 23 years. Known for her financial discipline and strict controls, Rowena excels operating in an industry that is dynamic and international.
Originally from Hong Kong, Rowena now calls Australia home. A private person, Rowena enjoys travelling, walking, sightseeing, listening to music, Coca Cola and of course, numbers!
Bill Urwin
Bill Urwin is the National Operations Manager at BCR. Based in Sydney, Australia, Bill has been a part of the BCR family for 13 years. Bill previously had experience in the Insurance and Financial Planning sectors along with a stint in Aged Care before finding a career in Logistics. Bill loves being part of a team that plays a critical role in the end to end supply chains of a group loyal and appreciative clients. Outside of BCR, Bill enjoys a game of golf and spending time in the garden getting his fingers in the soil to grow food to put on the table. Bill likes nothing better than spending time with his three grandchildren. In Bill’s word, “they have a great capacity to energise, amaze and teach us a thing or two”.
Bill, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?BCR is my second family, which I care for and protect.
Angela Thompson
Angela (Angie) joined BCR as Key Account Manager – Supply Chain. This is not Angie’s first dance at BCR, having originally joined BCR’s then Queensland Branch in November 2009 as a Corporate Account Manager. Following 6 very successful years, Angie had an itch she had to scratch, and joined a respected competitor to BCR. BCR were thrilled when Angie returned in 2021, and to top it off, she polled the most votes and took out the 2021 Employee of the Year.
Following the successful completion of a Bachelor of Laws and Arts in Asian and International studies, Angie’s logistics career now spans almost 2 decades, and she has worked in varied roles at large global corporates and medium sized Australian owned companies.
Angie, what does it mean to work at BCR? I love the culture, it’s a great team. Everyone’s passionate about getting positive results for our customers and the company.
Una McLeish
Una is the National Customer Service Manager at BCR. Una first started in the freight industry at the young age of 16 and was hooked on the fast-paced expanding industry from day one! Una is a Scottish born Kiwi who has lived in Australia for 15 years. She is proud to say that she has with the BCR for all those 15 years.
Una thrives on building customers relationships. Most days you will find Una on the telephone or visiting with customers to strengthen our relationship and improve their supply chains. Una wears her BCR hat with pride and takes pleasure in delighting BCR’s many customers.
Una calls Sydney, Australia home now and enjoys visiting new places, being at the beautiful beaches and hiking through the many National Parks.
Una, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? BCR is my second family. Our values and comradery are set deep in my heart! No problem or issue is too big for our team to get together and resolve for our customer’s.
Darren Hann
Darren Hann is the Commercial Manager at BCR and is based on the Sunshine Coast in beautiful sunny Queensland. In 2020 Darren celebrates 4 years with BCR. Darren was previously a customer of BCR’s for over 20 years! He,therefore, brings a unique and priceless skill set to BCR as Darren can look at all situations from a customer’s perspective.
A passionate Queenslander, Darren supports the Brisbane Broncos and the mighty Queensland Maroons and rates Jonathan Thurston as the best player the game of rugby league has produced. They say golf can ruin a good walk, but to Darren, it is the best form of relaxation. Darren is also very active, and when he is not working at BCR can often be found climbing mountains, attempting, and mostly executing double backflips and enjoy the great outdoors with his family.
Darren, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?I am supremely proud to be part of a company with origins dating back to 1892. I love the history & respect the brand.
Rohan Keech
Rohan Keech is NationalKey Account Manager at BCR. In the early phase of his career, Rohan worked for P&O Nedlloyd Logistics and studied Business Management majoring in Logistics & Supply Chain at the University of Tasmania. Rohan has now been in the shipping and logistics industry for nearly 20 years working for the AP Moller Maersk Group in Denmark, Hong Kong and now with BCR based in Melbourne.
Rohan grew up in Brisbane enjoying many of the benefits this location offers; surfing, camping, fishing, and playing rugby. The current Keech household consists of Rohan, his American wife Tess, and son Jack.
Rohan, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?BCR’s team culture is hard to replicate – it is built on mateship and mutual respect for our customers and one another. We work hard, but we have fun doing it and have a lot of laughs along the way.
Mark Holm
Mark Holm is the National IT Manager at BCR, based in Sydney at our Alexandria Office.Mark has a long career in IT spanning across all areas in the IT sphere. He is a new addition to the BCR Team in 2021, bringing over 20 years’ experience in Supply Chain & Warehousing whilst working in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry and before that, with IT Solution providers.Mark’s BCR IT Team includes specialists in Infrastructure, Security, Applications and Integration, utilising both inhouse and partner Teams to deliver stable, reliable and Customer focused solutions. The team works collaboratively with our Customers and Suppliers to ensure fast effective, turnaround on any system requirement.
When Mark is not working you will find him watching sporting events, it doesn’t seem to matter which sport because he’ll watch anything, or he will be kayaking down a river enjoying the natural wonders of the waterways. He has 3 adult children living around the country providing plenty of inspiration to travel and catchup.
Mark, what does it mean to you to work at BCR ? BCR has given me the opportunity to lift an already strong IT Team to an even higher level utilising my Project Management, Customer Service and Corporate Governance skillsets. Together we will ensure the coverage and execution of our Services are delivered to extremely high standards that are the envy of our competition.I truly love developing Teams and instilling a positive Team culture. That is why I chose to join the BCR Team, who also believe in those same strong ethical and supportive Team cultures.
Leanne Sant
Leanne Sant is the Customs Supervisor at BCR, based in Sydney. Leanne has 24 years industry experience having started off in freight forwarding, then moving to an account management role in a Customs department which started her passion for all things Customs.
Leanne studied the Cert IV in Australian and International Trade Facilitation before sitting the National Brokers Exam and gained my Customs Brokers Licence in 2008.
Leanne has proudly been part of the BCR family for 9 years and her greatest achievement was being awarded the 2020 Employee of the Year. Being a car enthusiast, she particularly enjoys her work for the motor vehicle brands that BCR services.
As a busy mum of 3 children, Leanne likes to spend her spare time with them and get out and see the beautiful city. She also likes to spend any other downtime she has with good friends at some of the great establishments that beautiful Sydney has to offer.
Working at BCR means Leanne comes to an office where we are like a family and we share a passion for getting the best results for our customers no matter how big or small they are.
Steven Thomas
Steven Thomas is the Manager, Head of Procurement. Based in Sydney, Australia, Steven has just recently joined the BCR team. Steven has enjoyed many, many years in the industry having previously worked for shipping lines and a few global multinational freight forwarders where he held the same position as he does at BCR.
A team player and very passionate about procurement, negotiations, getting deals done and in building relationships in the industry with both customers and service providers alike.
Outside of BCR Steven enjoys sports and horse racing and whilst not active in sport any longer does love watching many different sorts of sports with football (soccer) being his favorite sport and is an ardent Man Utd supporter for over 40 years.
Laura Amendolia
Laura Amendolia is the Transport and Operations Manager at BCR. Based in Sydney, Laura has been part of the BCR family for over 6 years and has had over 18 years industry experience. Laura has spent most of her career working in Customer Service and is well known to our customers for her ability to ensure their logistic requirements are met. She thrives on positive outcomes and is well known for her ‘can do’ way of thinking.
Laura began her career at 18 in the industry and holds strong industry knowledge and experience . She completed an International Diploma in freight forwarding in 2014. Laura has progressed throughout her career starting in Customer Service, and is now focussing her expertise managing the BCR Transport and Operations Team.
No task is too big or small for Laura, she holds our relationships with our customers on a high pedestal and always delivers exceptional service with a smile and a friendly demeanour. She is well known within the BCR Team to jump in and help in any department where needed.
Laura calls Sydney her home and is the mum of two boys who keep her busy outside of BCR. She loves to explore parks and playgrounds with her family and get away for family holidays when she can.
Laura, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?
For me, working at BCR is like spending time with my second family, the values and diversity our team have are amazing, I have loved watching my colleagues progress through their careers and the work life balance BCR offer enables me to be a happy career mum.
DO YOU STILL HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING OUR SERVICES?
Your dedicated BCR account management team, along with our global network of freight forwarding professionals, will ensure all your organisation’s logistics needs are met while exceeding your expectations for customer service and performance every day.
Home » Our Team
Our Team
David Katte
David Katte is a Director of BCR and moonlights as the CFO. David joined forces with his father Ray Katte and Robert Hunter to form what is now known as BCR in 1995. David is celebrating his 37th year as a BCR employee, joining the company in December 1983 in what was then known as Frank Cridland Ray Katte Customs Agency.
A passionate industry advocate, David chaired the former CBFCA and represented the industry during the transition by Australian Border Force to their current system ICS. Apart from his Finance skills, David is a highly competent business analyst. It was through his passion for Finance and IT that David met his beautiful Tawnya.
David is a Sydney boy through and through, and when he is not plying his trade at BCR, you will find him join enjoying the many culinary delights connected to his wife’s business. David loves the outdoors and can often be found hiking away in one of NSW and Australia’s beautiful national parks.
David, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? BCR is such a big part of my life. The people and the journey are what I enjoy most.
Robert Hunter
Rob is a Director of BCR and has been with the company since 1995. Rob’s passions are the customers of BCR. Many of our customer associations extend back to the Cridland days. Rob is a passionate advocate for our customers and ensuring BCR plays our role to enable their business success.
Rob grew up in a working-class family in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and is a proud Newington old boy. He loves the great outdoors, his family, friends and his border collie dog, Jessie.
Rob, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? When we look after our customers, the rest takes care of itself!
Michael Thirgood
Michael Thirgood is the CEO at BCR. Michael joined BCR in January 2010 as the Queensland State Manager. When the company transitioned from a state-based Freight Forwarder to a National Freight Forwarding, Customs and 3PL service provider in 2014, Michael was appointed as COO. In 2018 Michael became CEO. Michael’s passion has always been the people he works with and delivering service excellence to customers! This passion was born early in his career when he led a 2-year period of growth in what is now the world’s largest shipping line / logistics provider that saw his team grow from 7 to 70 staff.
One of Michael’s favourite sayings, which now adorns the walls of all BCR offices, is “in everything you do, stop and think, how does this impact the customer”? It is this mindset that is instilled in all the team at BCR, and part of the reason why BCR is considered one of Australia’s leading Freight Forwarders, Customs Broker and 3PL providers.
Michael is a proud Australian and Queenslander, a member of the Brisbane Broncos and a passionate supporter of any team that bleeds maroon! Outside of BCR, Michael’s passions are education, sport, his family, and fitness. Having climbed to basecamp at Mt Everest, run marathons and paddled Bass Strait, Michael is always on the lookout for his next challenge.
Michael, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? Quite simply, I get up each weekday morning and I look forward to going to work!
Rowena Wan
Rowena is the Finance Controller for BCR. Rowena joined BCR in 1997 and is based in our Head Office in Sydney, Australia. It is there that she has led our Finance team for the last 23 years. Known for her financial discipline and strict controls, Rowena excels operating in an industry that is dynamic and international.
Originally from Hong Kong, Rowena now calls Australia home. A private person, Rowena enjoys travelling, walking, sightseeing, listening to music, Coca Cola and of course, numbers!
Bill Urwin
Bill Urwin is the National Operations Manager at BCR. Based in Sydney, Australia, Bill has been a part of the BCR family for 13 years. Bill previously had experience in the Insurance and Financial Planning sectors along with a stint in Aged Care before finding a career in Logistics. Bill loves being part of a team that plays a critical role in the end to end supply chains of a group loyal and appreciative clients. Outside of BCR, Bill enjoys a game of golf and spending time in the garden getting his fingers in the soil to grow food to put on the table. Bill likes nothing better than spending time with his three grandchildren. In Bill’s word, “they have a great capacity to energise, amaze and teach us a thing or two”.
Bill, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? BCR is my second family, which I care for and protect.
Angela Thompson
Angela (Angie) joined BCR as Key Account Manager – Supply Chain. This is not Angie’s first dance at BCR, having originally joined BCR’s then Queensland Branch in November 2009 as a Corporate Account Manager. Following 6 very successful years, Angie had an itch she had to scratch, and joined a respected competitor to BCR. BCR were thrilled when Angie returned in 2021, and to top it off, she polled the most votes and took out the 2021 Employee of the Year.
Following the successful completion of a Bachelor of Laws and Arts in Asian and International studies, Angie’s logistics career now spans almost 2 decades, and she has worked in varied roles at large global corporates and medium sized Australian owned companies.
Angie, what does it mean to work at BCR? I love the culture, it’s a great team. Everyone’s passionate about getting positive results for our customers and the company.
Una McLeish
Una is the National Customer Service Manager at BCR. Una first started in the freight industry at the young age of 16 and was hooked on the fast-paced expanding industry from day one! Una is a Scottish born Kiwi who has lived in Australia for 15 years. She is proud to say that she has with the BCR for all those 15 years.
Una thrives on building customers relationships. Most days you will find Una on the telephone or visiting with customers to strengthen our relationship and improve their supply chains. Una wears her BCR hat with pride and takes pleasure in delighting BCR’s many customers.
Una calls Sydney, Australia home now and enjoys visiting new places, being at the beautiful beaches and hiking through the many National Parks.
Una, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?
BCR is my second family. Our values and comradery are set deep in my heart! No problem or issue is too big for our team to get together and resolve for our customer’s.
Darren Hann
Darren Hann is the Commercial Manager at BCR and is based on the Sunshine Coast in beautiful sunny Queensland. In 2020 Darren celebrates 4 years with BCR. Darren was previously a customer of BCR’s for over 20 years! He,therefore, brings a unique and priceless skill set to BCR as Darren can look at all situations from a customer’s perspective.
A passionate Queenslander, Darren supports the Brisbane Broncos and the mighty Queensland Maroons and rates Jonathan Thurston as the best player the game of rugby league has produced. They say golf can ruin a good walk, but to Darren, it is the best form of relaxation. Darren is also very active, and when he is not working at BCR can often be found climbing mountains, attempting, and mostly executing double backflips and enjoy the great outdoors with his family.
Darren, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? I am supremely proud to be part of a company with origins dating back to 1892. I love the history & respect the brand.
Rohan Keech
Rohan Keech is National Key Account Manager at BCR. In the early phase of his career, Rohan worked for P&O Nedlloyd Logistics and studied Business Management majoring in Logistics & Supply Chain at the University of Tasmania. Rohan has now been in the shipping and logistics industry for nearly 20 years working for the AP Moller Maersk Group in Denmark, Hong Kong and now with BCR based in Melbourne.
Rohan grew up in Brisbane enjoying many of the benefits this location offers; surfing, camping, fishing, and playing rugby. The current Keech household consists of Rohan, his American wife Tess, and son Jack.
Rohan, what does it mean to you to work at BCR? BCR’s team culture is hard to replicate – it is built on mateship and mutual respect for our customers and one another. We work hard, but we have fun doing it and have a lot of laughs along the way.
Mark Holm
Mark Holm is the National IT Manager at BCR, based in Sydney at our Alexandria Office.Mark has a long career in IT spanning across all areas in the IT sphere. He is a new addition to the BCR Team in 2021, bringing over 20 years’ experience in Supply Chain & Warehousing whilst working in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry and before that, with IT Solution providers.Mark’s BCR IT Team includes specialists in Infrastructure, Security, Applications and Integration, utilising both inhouse and partner Teams to deliver stable, reliable and Customer focused solutions. The team works collaboratively with our Customers and Suppliers to ensure fast effective, turnaround on any system requirement.
When Mark is not working you will find him watching sporting events, it doesn’t seem to matter which sport because he’ll watch anything, or he will be kayaking down a river enjoying the natural wonders of the waterways. He has 3 adult children living around the country providing plenty of inspiration to travel and catchup.
Mark, what does it mean to you to work at BCR ? BCR has given me the opportunity to lift an already strong IT Team to an even higher level utilising my Project Management, Customer Service and Corporate Governance skillsets. Together we will ensure the coverage and execution of our Services are delivered to extremely high standards that are the envy of our competition.I truly love developing Teams and instilling a positive Team culture. That is why I chose to join the BCR Team, who also believe in those same strong ethical and supportive Team cultures.
Leanne Sant
Leanne studied the Cert IV in Australian and International Trade Facilitation before sitting the National Brokers Exam and gained my Customs Brokers Licence in 2008.
Leanne has proudly been part of the BCR family for 9 years and her greatest achievement was being awarded the 2020 Employee of the Year. Being a car enthusiast, she particularly enjoys her work for the motor vehicle brands that BCR services.
As a busy mum of 3 children, Leanne likes to spend her spare time with them and get out and see the beautiful city. She also likes to spend any other downtime she has with good friends at some of the great establishments that beautiful Sydney has to offer.
Working at BCR means Leanne comes to an office where we are like a family and we share a passion for getting the best results for our customers no matter how big or small they are.
Steven Thomas
A team player and very passionate about procurement, negotiations, getting deals done and in building relationships in the industry with both customers and service providers alike.
Outside of BCR Steven enjoys sports and horse racing and whilst not active in sport any longer does love watching many different sorts of sports with football (soccer) being his favorite sport and is an ardent Man Utd supporter for over 40 years.
Laura Amendolia
Laura began her career at 18 in the industry and holds strong industry knowledge and experience . She completed an International Diploma in freight forwarding in 2014. Laura has progressed throughout her career starting in Customer Service, and is now focussing her expertise managing the BCR Transport and Operations Team.
No task is too big or small for Laura, she holds our relationships with our customers on a high pedestal and always delivers exceptional service with a smile and a friendly demeanour. She is well known within the BCR Team to jump in and help in any department where needed.
Laura calls Sydney her home and is the mum of two boys who keep her busy outside of BCR. She loves to explore parks and playgrounds with her family and get away for family holidays when she can.
Laura, what does it mean to you to work at BCR?
For me, working at BCR is like spending time with my second family, the values and diversity our team have are amazing, I have loved watching my colleagues progress through their careers and the work life balance BCR offer enables me to be a happy career mum.
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DO YOU STILL HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING OUR SERVICES?
Your dedicated BCR account management team, along with our global network of freight forwarding professionals, will ensure all your organisation’s logistics needs are met while exceeding your expectations for customer service and performance every day.