Judith Gas Field Development Faces Critical Test with New Managing Director at Helm

New Leadership at a Pivotal Moment

Emperor Energy Limited has announced the appointment of Tim Handley as Managing Director, effective 12 January 2026. Handley brings over two decades of experience in the energy sector, with a strong track record in corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, and major project execution. His previous roles include leadership positions at AusNet, Viva Energy, and investment banking stints in Australia and Brazil, equipping him with a broad skill set to guide Emperor Energy through its next growth phase.

Chairman Doug Jenry emphasised that Handley’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing the Judith Gas Field development, particularly as the company prepares to drill the Judith-2 appraisal well. This leadership change signals Emperor’s commitment to strengthening its operational and commercial capabilities at a critical juncture.

Judith Gas Field, A Strategic Asset for East Coast Gas Supply

The Judith Gas Field, located offshore in the Gippsland Basin, holds significant promise with independently certified 2C contingent resources of 166 billion cubic feet and prospective resources estimated at 1.86 trillion cubic feet. Its proximity to existing infrastructure, including ExxonMobil and Woodside’s Tuna platform and Amplitude Energy’s Orbost Gas Plant, positions it well for efficient development and market access.

With East Coast Australia facing gas supply shortages and price volatility, the Judith project could provide a timely new source of supply. The recent spike in gas prices following outages at key facilities underscores the market need for reliable, scalable gas sources. Emperor Energy’s planned appraisal well in Q3 2026 aims to validate the field’s commercial viability and unlock its potential contribution to the region’s energy mix.

Funding and Incentives Aligned with Progress

Emperor Energy has secured approximately $3.7 million in new funding and maintains a cash position of about $5.1 million as of September 2025, earmarked to support the Judith-2 drilling program. The company is also engaged in a strategic funding process with upstream producers and downstream end-users, reflecting positive market interest.

Handley’s executive agreement includes a base salary of $450,000 and a comprehensive incentive package tied to key project milestones. These include milestone shares and cash bonuses contingent on financing completion, well spudding, operational success of the Judith-2 well, and potential progression to a second well. This structure aligns leadership rewards closely with the company’s operational achievements and shareholder value creation.

Looking Ahead

As Emperor Energy moves toward the Judith-2 appraisal well, the appointment of Tim Handley is a clear signal of intent to accelerate development and commercialisation efforts. The coming months will be critical in demonstrating the field’s potential and securing the necessary funding to transition from appraisal to production.