Our Team
The Management Team
Led by our Chief Executive Officer John Mitchell the Senior Management Team is responsible for the day-to-day management of Mitchell’s and provide proven expertise and experience to lead our business.
John Mitchell - Chief Executive Officer
John Mitchell is the third generation leading Mitchell’s and has been manager of the business for over 30 years. A ‘hands-on’ leader, John is across all aspects of the business. From working with clients at sale yards and feeding cattle back at the Waroona depot, to representing the industry at a senior level. He is passionate about upholding the legacy of Mitchell’s with a total dedication to the livestock industry and promoting people and animal wellbeing
Under Johns leadership Mitchell’s has grown from operating eight prime movers to now running 33 prime movers and carting more than 650,0000 cattle a year. An innovative and driving force in livestock transport, John is responsible for the design and patent of pioneering trailer design and configurations to improve the efficiency and safety of transport.
He takes a personal responsibility in developing and maintaining great relationships through trust and mutual commitment: something that has been the foundation of the business and has seen Mitchell’s Transport continue to be an industry leader for generations.
Lisa Mitchell - Finance and Administration Manager
Joining Mitchell’s in 2006, Lisa is responsible for finance, compliance, administration and human resource functions.
Beginning her career in banking, she holds an accounting degree and CPA qualification, and experience working within the public practice accounting stream. These skills together with a farming background put Lisa in an ideal place to contribute to the Mitchell’s operations.
With a passion for livestock and country people alike, Lisa believes the values of the business and the people showcase how Mitchell’s look after livestock and their staff.
Jamie Warburton - chief operations coordinator
With over 30 years in the meat industry, Jamie brings deep experience and a fresh perspective to our livestock operations team. He began his career at 14 and has dedicated his life to the trade—first crossing paths with Mitchells early on, and now officially part of the crew.
Known for his infectious energy and people-first mindset, Jamie lives by the philosophy of learning something new every day. His ability to inspire growth and bring out the best in others makes him a key part of where we’re headed next.
Focused on day-to-day coordination and long-term team development, he helps keep things moving in the right direction for the team, the business, and our partners.
jARROD MITCHELL - MaintenancE Manager
Jarrod is the 4th generation of ‘Mitchells’ to join the family business. He oversees a fleet of 33 prime movers and 140 trailers, supported by a dedicated team to keep the operation moving. With a background as an auto electrician in the mining industry and education from Harvey Agricultural College, he brings both technical depth and a calm, capable approach to the demands of livestock transport.
He is responsible for prioritising workloads, breakdowns, keeping the fleet dependable and running at its best. With a strong focus on quality, reliability and driver comfort. Bringing his strengths to the table including planning, organisation, and clear communication, where timing and coordination are everything.
Big on camaraderie and building trust through effort, consistency, and genuine respect. Jarrod continually raises the standard for the workshop and the wider business.
Damien (Damo) White - Saleyard coordinator
Damo first joined Mitchells in 2009 at just 19, working alongside John at the Midland saleyards. Since then, he’s grown with the business—adapting to change, improving systems, and staying grounded in the work he enjoys most.
As Saleyard Coordinator and Customer Relations Officer, Damo is the vital link between our clients and operations—overseeing livestock sales, coordinating yard activities, and ensuring smooth communication every step of the way.
With a strong connection to the land and a lifelong involvement in agriculture, he thrives both in the yard and out in the field. Capable and down-to-earth, Damo plays a key role in customer relationships and livestock handling.
He says, ‘I’m not here for titles—just the satisfaction of a job done right and being part of something that keeps moving forward.’
Our operations Team -
focused on Customer Care, Logistics & Planning
The Mitchell’s Operations team is very much built with key ingredients of youth, energy and willingness to grow. Our three front men have a passion for our business, they have developed relationships with customers and continuing the evolution of the logistics that bring value to all who deal with Mitchell’s.
Mark Houlihan - Driver development, saleyard, 'outside' coordinator
Mark (Houli) has livestock in his blood, a passion passed down from his late father, Bert. Growing up around cattle, he developed a deep appreciation for the entire lifecycle—from breeding and feeding to fattening and processing.
Starting as a livestock truck driver in his teens, Mark now brings decades of hands-on experience to Mitchells. He plays a crucial role in driver training and development in operations, bridging the gap between our drivers and the operations team.
While he still gets behind the wheel himself, Mark also takes on extra responsibilities—drawing on his broad knowledge to support the smooth running of daily operations and help maintain our high standards.
For Mark, this work is more than a job—it’s a family legacy. He hopes his three children come to appreciate the important role livestock transport plays in the economy and our food supply.
James Anderson - Senior Operations Specialist & customer relations
James, originally from New Zealand, where his grandparents owned a station, farming both sheep and cattle. This is where he grew up embracing the lifestyle and developing a passion for the culture. Much like his father he began his career in Livestock Transport as a truck driver and has now become a valued and highly skilled member of our operations team who brings unmatched expertise and deep operational knowledge unique to Mitchells. As a key leader in logistics and coordination, he ensures our livestock transport runs with precision and reliability.
Known for his exceptional attention to detail and strong memory, James is the go-to expert for solving complex operational challenges. His background as a cattle carter and C Train master adds valuable insight that strengthens the whole team.
Steady and dependable, James is a pillar of our operations—playing a vital role in maintaining the quality and efficiency that Mitchells is known for.
damien (dj) brandis - Senior Operations Specialist & customer relations
Damien (DJ) began his journey much like James, rising from driver, to a central role in operations. He is responsible for booking jobs, managing daily logistics and driver coordination, and maintaining strong customer relations—ensuring every job is executed smoothly and clients stay informed and satisfied.
With a farming background and strong work ethic, DJ brings hands-on insight and understanding to his work. His sharp sense of humor and easygoing nature help foster a positive, team-focused environment. These qualities aren’t just who he is—they’re key to how he balances the demands of the job while keeping the team motivated and focused on delivering the best results.
Mark Houlihan, James Anderson, Damien (DJ) Brandis, Jamie Warburton
