PHIC is incorporated and governed by a Board, which is supported by a Chief Executive Officer.
CEO Krista Dunstan advocates for industry on behalf of all members and meets regularly with a range of stakeholders including State and local government representatives, government and industry agencies, and community organisations.
Krista is a strategic, values-driven executive leader with extensive expertise in advocacy, government relations, energy transition, First Nations policy and international business & trade. She is recognised for shaping policy, advancing ESG and decarbonisation strategies, and representing organisations at senior forums nationally and internationally, and has a proven ability to negotiate complex agreements, lead multi-jurisdictional teams, and build cross-cultural partnerships to deliver economic growth, stakeholder trust and organisational resilience.
Krista is Board-experienced, GAICD qualified, and sought after for strengthening corporate reputation, driving investment attraction, and enabling sustainable growth across government, industry, and community sectors.
A proud Nyoongar woman from the Southwest, she holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Master of International Relations, a Master of International Law, and an MBA with Distinction from the University of Western Australia (UWA). She is also Chair of Blak & Bright, Director of both Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation and recently completed an Executive Certificate in Public Policy at Harvard University.
With more than 15 years of leadership experience, Krista has worked across government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, navigating complex social, political, and regulatory landscapes. Her expertise spans law, policy, strategy and project development, complex stakeholder engagement, cross-cultural leadership and risk and issues management. As a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force Reserves, Krista has led initiatives in workforce behaviour and organisational culture transformation.
Earlier in her career, Krista practiced as a corporate and commercial lawyer, specialising in contract negotiation and dispute resolution within the resources and construction industries. Across her career, Krista has honed her ability to manage complex negotiations, understand industry and investment drivers, and deliver strategic advice that creates long-term value.
As an experienced leader in the Pilbara, Ambika brings her depth of experience in business management and her strong connection to the Port Hedland community.
Ambika may be known to the Port Hedland community given her recent role as a Councilor for the Town of Port Hedland from 2023 to May 2025.
Ambika’s career spans a diverse range of experience including in the diamond jewellery industry and media in business management roles.
Ambika and her family moved to the Pilbara in 2018 and she knows that the Pilbara offers immense opportunity. Ambika is of the view that as one of Australia’s most resource-rich regions, the area provides enormous potential for growth and development to those willing to embrace it. That abundance underpins the region’s unique advantage and fuels its promise for the future.
Ambika also acknowledges the strong community spirit and has enthusiastically participated at a number of levels including volunteering at local schools and clubs and contributing to grassroots initiatives. She is a current member of St Johns WA and the Vice President of the Hedland Multicultural Association.
Ambika is a passionate advocate of the Pilbara and believes the region gives its residents a profound sense of belonging and purpose — and that’s what drives her every day.
