#118 – Steve Kovac (CEO, Idemitsu Australia): Leading a Japanese Conglomerate Through Australia’s Energy Transition
Sweat CapitalShow Notes
In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Steve Kovac, CEO of Idemitsu Australia, to unpack what it’s like running the Australian arm of a global Japanese conglomerate during a once-in-a-generation shift.
Steve shares how Idemitsu is navigating its transition from coal into critical minerals, what that pivot looks like in practice, and how global strategy, culture, and long-term thinking shape decision-making inside one of the world’s largest energy and resources groups.
We also dive into Steve’s personal journey – from early-career mining engineer to CEO – discussing how to build credibility on-site, make the right career moves, and lead through complexity as responsibility grows.
If you’re interested in the energy transition, critical minerals, or how to build a long-term career in mining and resources, this episode offers rare, practical insight from someone who’s actually done it.
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