Executive Partners Program

Chief Revenue Officer, MANIAX Axe Throwing

Areas of specialisation:

• Business Development
• Management Leadership 
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Strategic Planning
• Branding & Advertising
• Digital & Social Media 

Proven organisational leader with 15+ years experience developing and executing multi-market growth strategies to create shared value for all stakeholders. Strong business management and commercial acumen with a background in negotiation, new business development and partnership management, having won and grown customer portfolios in excess of $100M+. Executive level experience across APAC, EMEA and North American markets, recognised for a collaborative leadership style with clearly defined outcomes, passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering a learning culture, encouraging innovation and implementing sustainable business models to engage teams around a shared mission and drive profitable growth.

Managing Director, Accenture

Areas of specialisation:

• Finance
• Manufacturing 
• Supply chain logistics
• Sales

Adrian has more than 15 years of technology consulting experience at Accenture spanning across a number of different functional and industry segments. Adrian is a certified solution architect and delivery lead, his work has mostly been based on SAP technologies. Adrian started his career in the UK and now resides in Adelaide. He was promoted to Managing Director (Partner) in 2020.

Within Accenture, Adrian is responsible for leading projects, capabilities and individuals. At any one time, he is responsible for leading 6-7 concurrent client engagements. He has been with Accenture for more than 15 years and has worked in Europe, North America and Australia.  

Adrian has broad experience across a number of different industry segments and functional domains.

Former Chief of Staff, UniSA

Alan Brideson is former Chief of Staff in the Vice Chancellor's office and Interim Chief Academic Services Officer at UniSA.

He was previously Chief Marketing and Communications Officer with responsibility for University corporate communications, brand, marketing communications, domestic student recruitment, and media and public relations.

Alan is a previous member of the SA Chapter of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, the Board of Governors of Pulteney Grammar School, the Leaders Institute of South Australia, the Adelaide Convention Centre, deputy president of the Adelaide West End Association, and member of the SA Marketing Institute committee. He has been convenor of the Australian Technology University's marketing communications group, and a member of the Australian Universities Marketing, Communications and Development Conference committee. Alan is also a recipient of the Universities Australia Lifetime Achievement Award.

Alan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Master of Arts (American History) from the University of Adelaide. He is a Fellow, and Certified Practising Marketer, of the Australian Marketing Institute, a Member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Prior to joining the University Alan worked in Canberra as Director Information for the Australian Electoral Commission with responsibility for national election communications. He also worked for a short period with Elections Ontario in Toronto during a provincial election.

Founder and Principal: ak advisory

Areas of specialisation:

• Strategy
• Finance 
• SME owner/developer
• Governance
• Risk management
• Policy development  
• Housing regulation

Alison Kimber is an independent board member and an experienced executive. Alison has a strong business acumen with a background in international banking and capital markets, and over 25 years’ experience in finance, government and the not-for-profit sector at senior and executive levels. A qualified actuary, Alison has led major reform projects and successful cultural change across diverse organisations.

After a background in insurance, Alison joined the State Bank of South Australia where she led their international borrowing program and established the corporate treasury function for the bank’s New York branch. Later, Alison lectured in statistics and the mathematics of finance for the University of Adelaide.

Alison then held a variety of senior and executive roles in the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Office for Government Enterprises, Cabinet Office, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Housing SA and Renewal SA. 

Through her business, ak advisory, Alison assists organisations to deliver quality outcomes by providing expert advice on strategy and planning, finance, governance and risk management.

Founder, Buzzify

Alison Snel is the founder of Buzzify, an agency that offers businesses a holistic approach to marketing and communications. During her career, Alison has worked for global and listed corporations and industry associations in Europe and Australia, with sector experience spanning financial services, freight and ports as well as utilities. 

She has a wealth of experience across the marketing mix from marketing research and marketing management through to managing corporate communications and the fast-paced worlds of media relations and social media.  Alison holds a Bachelor of Laws (hons) from University of Edinburgh, a Master in Marketing from University of Strathclyde and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from Australian College of Marketing. 

A member of the Australian Marketing Institute, Alison has been a board member of the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre since 2018 and served as a Councillor for SA Council of Mines and Energy Inc. from 2014-2017. She was also an Independent Representative on City of Unley’s Business and Economic Development Committee between 2015-2018. 

Chief Executive Officer, HomeStart Finance

Areas of specialisation:

• Strategic planning and performance
• Leadership and team development
• Financial analysis & modelling
• Corporate finance and treasury
• Market analysis, segmentation, customer centric design
• Financial product innovation and development
• Marketing and brand strategy

Andrew is an experienced finance executive with a highly developed analytical, strategic, commercial and creative skill set. He began his early career in financial markets (equities) and then ran his own business consultancy specialising in SME performance, planning, and strategy. Later he worked for HomeStart commencing as Business Analyst and moving into roles focused on treasury and strategy. In his current position as Head of Strategic Development he is responsible for establishing strategies that enable HomeStart to achieve its mission and meet performance objectives, entailing responsibilities across marketing, product, business intelligence, strategy, innovation and continuous improvement.

In recent years he has developed and facilitated delivery of strategic planning and performance systems using the Balanced Scorecard and strategy mapping, led mortgage product innovation such as shared equity, overseen development and delivery of marketing strategies, and designed pathways to grow new and existing market segments. He has a strong interest in developing team members, and a belief in working to strengths. For over a decade, Andrew has lectured nationally for the Institute of Public Accountants on topics including financial modelling and business valuation. He also regularly represents HomeStart publically, often sharing experiences with financial product innovation and in 2018 was invited to speak at the World Bank's 8th Global Affordable Housing Finance conference.

Partner & Head of Indirect Tax Enterprise, KPMG

Areas of specialisation:

• Business professional services
• Finance 
• Law
• Manufacturing and construction
• Property  

Anna is a KPMG Partner leading the National Indirect Tax Practice to provide pragmatic and commercial tax bd business solutions to clients and also leads the SA China/Asian Business practice where she actively collaborates with the State Government, Asian business community and associations to promote and foster stronger connections between the State and Australian Asian businesses.

Anna is a board member of the Asia Pacific Business Council for Women and sponsoring the KPMG national Asian Female Leader Program, her passion is to support and advocate potential talent leaders to flourish and grow in their professional fields.

General Manager Industry Engagement and Operations, Civil Contractors Federation SA 

Areas of specialisation:

• Marketing Strategy
• Communications and PR
• Customer Experience (CX) Strategy
• Strategic Planning
• Strengths-based Leadership
• Negotiation & Collaborative Structures
• Creative thinking & Innovation
• Governance

Annabel is a strategic and dynamic senior leader with a passion for building high-performing, thriving and sustainable organisations. 

With an undergraduate degree in Marketing and a Masters in Business Administration, Annabel established The Customer Collective consultancy to fulfil her passion for assisting organisations to establish a point of difference through customer-centric transformation, strategic marketing and brand positioning. 

Her practise reflects many years spent in delivering tactical and strategic approaches to driving growth through customer engagement, loyalty and satisfaction.  Her experience has been accumulated in Not-for-Profit, charity and commercial organisations across sectors including retail, allied health, local government, and professional and other services.

A graduate and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Annabel also Chairs community-service organisations OARS SA and Community Transitions. She has mentored marketing students since 2012.

Principal, Anne Skipper and Associates

Anne is currently the Principal of Anne Skipper and Associates, an organisation consulting in corporate governance, strategic planning and group dynamics for boards and advisory committees. She has more than 25 years’ experience as a board director and chair of government, not for profit and private sector boards in the areas of health, planning and development, tourism, education, disability and social services, and financial services.

Anne's achievements in assisting needy communities was spawn by the values learnt in her rural upbringing. Her more recent benevolent activities have focused on underprivileged communities at home and abroad, and with a particular focus on the development of women and girls.

Anne's diverse business and community contacts and interest in the development of the individual, will be of great benefit to our Executive Partners Program. 

Executive Vice President, Procurement, SMP Automotive Global

Areas of specialisation:

• Logistics and supply chain
• Team management
• Process improvement
• Automotive manufacturing

Brett Dienhoff is currently the Executive Vice President of Global Sourcing for SMR Automotive Systems, part of the Samvardhana Motherson Group, a Global tier 1 supplier to the Automotive industry.

Brett’s role is responsible for leadership of the Global Purchasing Organisation and management of teams located throughout the globe including South East Asia, China, Europe and throughout North and South America. The team manages an extensive global supplier network ranging from raw commodities through to high technology companies, covering all elements the supply chain.

Brett is also heavily involved in business improvement activities including the establishment and execution, and improvement of Global Processes and Procedures, including automation. Brett is also a member of the Companies Global Executive Team which defines the company strategies, business planning, and execution of projects to achieve the overall business objectives.

Beginning his career in Adelaide, Brett relocated to the USA in 2004, where he remained for 10 years. During this time, he gained experience with dealing throughout almost all Automotive Manufacturing regions across Europe, China, Korea, India, Brazil, Mexico and Thailand.

Brett will be particularly beneficial to students who consider having a career in Dubai.

Barrister, Murray Chambers and National Chairman, Australia India Business Council

Areas of specialisation:

• Law and legal policy
• Human rights 
• Workplace protocol establishment
• Advisory committees

Brian is an eminent legal policy, environmental and human rights lawyer. His particular knowledge in these specialist fields has made him a much sought after consultant to Australian and international governments in the drafting of legislation and establishment of working protocols. He was appointed Queens Counsel in 1986. He has carried out a number of World Bank and AusAid funded projects and consulted to organisations in Russia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Brian is currently the National Chairman of the Australia India Business Council, and the Premier's Special Envoy to India, and has lead numerous business delegations to India. He has also served on various advisory committees at the University, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor. 

Aside from these professional achievements, Brian is a founding member Law Society's Human Rights Committee, and a co-founder and Secretary of Carry for Kids Inc, a not-for-profit organisation assisting orphanages in the Asia Pacific region. Brian's legal, humanitarian and international credentials are of enormous benefit to our Executive Partners Program. 

Director, Veterans SA

Areas of specialisation:

• Executive Management
• Relationship Management 
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Policy

Catherine is an established senior government executive with experience within both the Commonwealth and state jurisdictions, and worked across many disciplines within the public sectors, including social policy, program management, governance and the Federal Budget. Catherine has led the human resources function for a medium-sized Commonwealth department and was most recently appointed as the agency head for the South Australian Government veterans affairs portfolio. 

Chief Executive Officer, Lower Eyre Council

Areas of specialisation:

• Strategy
• Finance 
• Leadership & communication skills
• Business development 

A high calibre Chief Executive with extensive leadership experience in Local Government and the South Australian Public Sector. A strong value proposition transitioning strategy into operations utilising high level interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills while developing and inspiring high performing teams.

Proven track-record of transformational leadership leading to the optimisation of business processes, workforce capability and alignment to culture within complex legislative and customer-facing operating environments. Delivers on strategic objectives whilst facilitating business development opportunities through innovation and sustainable growth. 

Founder, Huddle Coworking & Commercial Manager

Areas of specialisation:

• Business Development

• Strategic Planning & Acquisition 

• Marketing & Digital

• Product Development & Sales

• Training & Team Growth

Dimitri continues to welcome the pursuit for innovation and growth in both business/career opportunities with open arms, a solution focused method and creative tenacity for more than a decade!  

As a UniSA alumni, his journey has established himself, as a motivational speaker and lecturer in SA for 5+ years, mentor at Business SA, Thinclab and NVI whilst developing specialist skills across senior management roles in SMEs, mining, government, entertainment and national media agencies.

Currently the Founder of Huddle, a social-first business focused on maximising team performance and work+life balance through technology and training, he leads with a strong foundation in company culture and collaboration, advancing Huddle's offering in commercial workplace solutions and a publicly accessible neighbourhood of bookable spaces/pods across Australia.

As a good listener, agile problem solver and forward thinker Dimitri happily invites the moment we can work together. 

CEO & Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival Centre

Areas of specialisation:

• Tourism & Hospitality

• International Arts Management

Douglas Gautier has served on a number of arts, media and tourism boards in Hong Kong and the Asian region. 

Since arriving at the Adelaide Festival Centre, he has initiated a major ‘program-led’ approach to double audiences over seven years. This has included two new annual events – The Adelaide International Guitar Festival and OzAsia Festival– a showcasing of cultural links between Australia and the Asian region.

He currently serves as Chair for the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres, and is Executive Council Member for Live Performance Australia and Flinders University, Director of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Arts and Cultural Leadership and Adviser to the Hong Kong Arts Festival. 
 

Former Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Adelaide

Areas of specialisation:

• Strategic partnerships
• Global business development 
• International marketing
• Consulting and education

Gary’s expertise is predominantly in new venture start-up, development, and growth. He has started, grown, managed and exited several businesses in various industries. Gary is also passionate about enabling and assisting people to be entrepreneurial, he believes this is important no matter whether they are intending to start a business or just want a fulfilling and rewarding life.  After extensive experience in business (small and corporate), leadership of not-for-profit organisations, consulting, and education, Gary left full time work as an academic in The University of Adelaide to concentrate on travel, mentoring, and living a fun life; one of the perks of successful entrepreneurial behaviour!

Former Senior Scientific Advisor, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering

Areas of specialisation:

• Team leadership
• Innovation and entrepreneurship 
• Technology development and deployment

Ian’s career was primarily in North America with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering. Over 33 years he led teams that invented, developed and deployed new catalytic petroleum process technologies, created new products and improved energy efficiency. Ian has over 70 US patents, most in support of technology that was subsequently commercialised.

Ian was appointed Senior Scientific Advisor at ExxonMobil in 2002 and elected Fellow of The Chemical Institute of Canada in 1995.

Since retiring in 2009, Ian has been engaged with entrepreneurial programs in Adelaide, including MEGA, The Australian eChallenge and Thinclab as mentor, judging panellist and investor. 

General Manager - Contract Delivery and Performance, Babcock Australia & New Zealand

Areas of specialisation:

• Leadership
• Strategic Planning 
• Finance Management
• Change Management

Duncan is a dedicated professional and motivated leader with international experience in General Management, Sales and Business Development and Finance Management. Drawing on over 25 years of experience both Nationally and Internationally, across the Aviation, Defence, Telecommunications and Property Development industries.

As a qualified CPA and with a Bachelor of Accounting from UniSA, Duncan has enjoyed diverse senior roles across Finance, Business Development & Strategy and General Management. Duncan worked in the UK in senior BD roles before being appointed Managing Director for Cobham Helicopter Services. These roles provided exposure to a variety of countries with customers in the Asia Pacific, UK and Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean 

Duncan has delivered significant strategic programs, including a major defence demobilisation, establishment of a Helicopter Training Academy in the UK and organisational restructures. Through these experiences, Duncan has developed and tested a range of skills in setting and delivering strategic roadmaps, change management, complex Sales Campaigning, P&L control, communications and leadership.

Chief Play Officer, Lead With Play

Erin is an executive leader with work spanning utilities, the public sector, youth leadership, education and the not-for-profit sectors. As a kid from humble beginnings, she is passionate about working with systems and people facing complex challenges to be their best. When asked, she speaks on personal leadership, wellbeing, business change and systems thinking.

Early in her career she fell in love with mentoring as a powerful tool for professional and personal development as well as building resilience and improving wellbeing. Erin has had the good fortune to benefit from the gift of wisdom and guidance from myriad mentors, in both structured and unstructured ways. As a passionate leader with around two decades of leadership experience in a diverse range of industries and with a generous network, Erin has much to offer (and receive) from mentees in the Program. 

Principal, Digital & Transformation Risk Assurance, Deloitte Australia

Focus Industries and Capabilities:

• Defence and Aerospace-OEM manufacturing and aftermarket sustainment and support (Rolls Royce, Northrop Grumman, Lucas)
• Defence services and consulting (PwC) 
• Airlines engineering and operations (Qantas)
• Executive general management and operations management (24 years across the companies mentioned)
• Large scale operational optimisation, change and restructuring (Qantas, Lucas, Northrop Grumman)
• Business development and commercial contract leadership and management 
• High performance management team development
• IT control systems: ERP, PLM, CRM
• Supply chain development and optimisation

Overview: 

41 years of experience with iconic aerospace and aviation enterprises worldwide, with foundational experience in financial and commercial control, progressing into senior financial and operational turnaround roles and then P&L general management leadership roles with 24 years of experience leading high-performance, customer-focused technical support companies and operations.

Career Progression:

• Deloitte Australia: Principal, Digital and Transformation Risk Assurance
• PwC Australia: Head of Defence Managed Services operating unit  
• Northrop Grumman (Australia): Head of Integrated Defence Services
• Qantas: Group General Manager/Head Qantas Aviation Services, including Qantas Defence Services
• Stevens Aviation: President and COO
• Rolls Royce: VP Customer Service & Aftermarket, Regional Airlines & Corporates 
• Lucas Aerospace: VP Customer Services, VP of Finance, Division Controller, Financial Planning and Pricing Manager, Financial/Cost Analyst

Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank SA 

Areas of specialisation:

• Sales growth
• Key Account Management 
• Strategic planning
• Staff development
• Coaching and mentoring
• Continuous improvement strategy, development and implementation 
• Performance management

Greg is the Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank SA and brings extensive experience gained over 30 years in a number of industry sectors. After completing a Master of Science degree at Purdue University in the USA, specialising in food science, he advanced his career in senior management roles with iconic food companies such as Inghams, Berri, Tip Top, Goodman Fielder and Maggie Beer Products, in NSW, Victoria and SA. His experience and knowledge was further enhanced by moving into more diverse industries such as Mitsubishi Motors, and more recently in Brisbane as Executive Vice President for global mineral testing company Bureau Vertias.

With the downturn in the mining sector, Greg returned to Adelaide with a desire to contribute to the SA community, which has been his home for 22 years. Foodbank presented the ideal vehicle to use his experience, knowledge and contacts to help people in need, and he is enjoying every aspect of the new challenge, and especially the interaction with the corps of volunteers who help Foodbank every day. 
 

Chief Executive Officer, Neumann Space

Areas of specialisation:

• Entrepreneurship
• International Business Development
• High-tech Innovation Commercialisation
• Operations Management

Prior to moving to Australia in 2013, Herve’s background for nearly 15 years was primarily in Fortune 500 American companies with various global roles in technical and business development, working with large customers in the U.S., Europe and Asia. After arriving in Adelaide, Herve focused his energy on high-tech innovation and commercialisation, working with many local entrepreneurs and SME owners, sharing his international expertise, business experience, drive and passion.

His journey in South Australia saw him involved with UniSA, developing an important network, learning more about governance and leadership through various programs (AICD, SADILP, HBS), working with State Government and industry and giving back his time to support multiple entrepreneurship and mentoring programs in addition to Board and Committee positions. 

Herve is currently the CEO of Neumann Space, a space technology company developing an innovative plasma propulsion system for satellites.

Herve considers his story would not have been possible without mentors along the way – He is both an on-going mentee and mentor. 

Former Executive, ExxonMobil (Canada based)

Areas of specialisation:

• Leadership
• Research management
• Manufacturing management

Hugh led ExxonMobil’s Corporate Strategic Research, Products Research and Global Chemicals Research organisations. He also served as Technical Manager at the company’s Baton Rouge, Louisiana, refinery – one of the largest in the world.

After retiring from ExxonMobil in 2015, Hugh developed and teaches a Science Leadership and Management course to graduate students at Queen’s University in Canada.

He holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Toronto and a B.Sc. and M.B.A. from Queen’s.    

Director, Clayton Management

Areas of specialisation:

• Management and training
• Strategy and corporate governance
• Technology commercialisation
• Advisory role in health, education and business

Jeff is a very experienced corporate, strategic advisor to organisations, in both public sector and private sector organisations. He typically provides assistance in large-scale strategic organisation change and corporate governance. He provides executive coaching and mentoring. He has considerable experience in technology commercialisation. He has worked extensively within Defence and overseas aid agencies.

He has over 30 years’ experience as a professional management consultant, having worked in senior and executive management positions in a wide range of large and small consultancies. The experience has been both in Australia and overseas. 

Jeff commenced his professional management consulting career with WS Atkins & Partners (UK) and then WD Scott Australia. In 1983 he was co-founder and Executive Chairman of management consultancy Aptech Australia. In 1996 Aptech was acquired by IBM and Jeff became the Executive responsible for Public Sector, Healthcare and Education consulting throughout Asia Pacific. He left IBM in 2001 and has acted as non-executive director and board chairman for a range of companies in retail, finance, ITC and professional services.

His qualifications are in engineering and management. He has completed postgraduate studies in organisation change, consulting, mentoring and strategic planning.

As a result of his substantial breadth and depth of consulting experience in different consultancies, Jeff is very effective in addressing complex organisational issues where traditional solutions may not have been successful. This can be very important when dealing with board, executive and senior management level issues. He is very experienced and effective working on politically sensitive issues. 

Chief Executive Officer, West Beach Parks

Areas of specialisation:

• Stakeholder management
• Commercial & community operations
• Management & Administration
• Tourism, Recreation, Sport, Hospitality & the Wine industry

Kate has enjoyed an extensive career spanning over 17 years within government, community, tourism, recreation, sport, hospitality and the wine industry.

Kate is the Chief Executive Officer at West Beach Trust trading as West Beach Parks (South Australian Government) and is responsible for the strategic oversight of the business and effective commercial and community operations, development, management and administration of all human and physical resources. 

Prior to Kate’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, she was the Commercial Business Manager for Adelaide Shores (rebranded to West Beach Parks 2018) and had responsibility for all commercial operations within the precinct.

Before joining West Beach Parks, Kate consulted part-time for two years to spend time with her family. Prior to relocating back to Adelaide in 2007, she was employed as Chief Executive Officer of Tower Estate Pty Ltd in New South Wales, a position held for three years.

Kate was also employed by P & O Australian Resorts & Voyages for seven years, where she took on a variety of roles within the company, culminating in two General Management positions at Bedarra Island and Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa.

Kate has been a Director of BIG4 Holdings Pty Ltd National Board since 2013. 

Former Partner and Retired Chartered Accountant

Areas of specialisation:

• Small to Medium Business Advising
• Accounting, Auditing, Tax
• Leadership and Staff Development

Professional Memberships:

• CA Australia & New Zealand
• CPA Australia 
• The Taxation Institute of Australia

Kevin is a former partner of a chartered accounting firm and provided accounting, taxation, audit, and general business services to small to medium business. Currently he is semi-retired but he continues to provide a small amount of consulting services to former a former client. He previously conducted for many years the Ethics course for CPA members wanting to obtain a practicing certificate.

Kevin has trained and mentored former staff members of his firm for many years and has been a mentor in the Business Career Mentor Program for the last six years. He has mentored graduates enrolled in the CPA and CA professional programs.

With a passion in mentoring and in- depth knowledge and experience in Accounting, Kevin is perfectly placed to assist students transition into the Accounting profession. 

Director, Bloom Advisory & Consultancy

Areas of specialisation:

• Business professional service
• Leadership skills 
• Marketing
• Communication strategies 

Kim is passionate about coaching and mentoring executives and the next generation of leaders to succeed. Through strategic alignment, she helps improve individual and team or group performance, increase employee engagement, empower organisations to identify and develop high potential employees, recognise personal and organisational strengths and development opportunities, and motivate and empower individuals to excel.

Kim has a reputation for building high performing teams with expertise in developing business, marketing and communications strategies. Recent experience has included being invited onto a six-person Leading Change Executive Team to guide an educational institution through a two-year organisational change strategy. 

Kim has served on Boards and Committees as an Executive Director and is a certified executive coach working with leaders to thrive in their careers and businesses.

Managing Director, Investigator Resources

Lachlan is a mining engineer with over 20 years of diverse Australian and international experience. He has a track record of successful project development across a number of countries and commodities. Lachlan is currently the CEO and Managing Director of Hillgrove Resources (ASX:HGO) which is developing the Kanmantoo Copper Mine in South Australia. Lachlan also holds an MBA, master of economics and is a graduate of the AICD.

Chief People Officer, RAA Executive Team

Areas of specialisation:

• Business management
• Human resources 
• Strategic planning

As an executive leader Laura loves to drive organisational outcomes through strategy, and is passionate about people and their human experience at work.

Laura has significant experience across different industries in both private and public sectors, ensuring the people strategy drives organisational outcomes by focusing on having the right people in the right place, increasing their capability and enabling the environment, underpinned by strong people practices strengthening the employee experience.

In 2017, Laura joined the Department for Education South Australia as the Executive Director People & Culture as part of the department’s Senior Executive Group. Departmental responsibility for the workforce functions across all public schools and preschools in the State. 

Laura is a member of the Australian Institute of Teaching & School Leadership's Teacher Education Expert Standing Committee.

Former HR Director Operations, Raytheon Australia

Areas of specialisation:

• Business Professional Services
• Manufacturing / Construction 
• Defence
• Change Management
• Policy
• Recruitment 
• Relationship Management
• Defence HR and Finance

Recently retired from full time responsibilities, Lorraine was the HR Operations Director for Raytheon Australia. She worked within the Human Resources function, and was responsible for leadership, management and development of the HR Operations team with members located throughout Australia. Working closely with the US based parent company Raytheon Technologies, Lorraine consulted on cross cultural programs for ex-pat employees on global assignments. 

Former Chief Executive Officer, KUDOS Services, SA

Areas of specialisation:

• Strategic planning
• Soft skills

Madge has strong executive management experience in three quite different and very complex not-for-profit organisations. She is well-versed in seeing the big picture and in generating innovative ideas and solutions to help deal with particularly intricate and seemingly intractable problems. Her varied career has included: managing major strategic reform processes; working with corporate systems to identify and resolve difficult structural and people management issues; actively building sustainable relationships and partnerships with government leaders and their departments, the corporate sector, small business, higher education providers and multiple community groups.

From 2001-2015, Madge was the CEO of Catherine House Inc. in Adelaide. During her tenure the organisation received various awards and accolades for its successful range of innovative program and services. The organisation was also recognised for its use of business frameworks, disciplines and accountabilities to help drive its success.

Madge has worked in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with a major NGO assisting the leadership team to develop, and conduct, a culturally appropriate strategic planning process. She is also an experienced personal and workplace counsellor and executive coach, and brings a positive approach to helping people find personal enjoyment and fulfilment at work and in life.

In 2014, Madge was named as one of the 50 Most Influential People in SA (one of 9 women); in 2014 she was the EY Central Region Entrepreneur of the Year, she also received the David Clarke Scholarship for ‘Outstanding Leadership in Social Change’ to attend the Harvard University Business School Executive Education Program that year too.  

Former Commissioner, South Australia Police

Areas of specialisation:

• Organisational performance
• Decision making and problem solving
• Leadership and governance
• Optimising individual and team performance
• Cultivating individual's personal and professional development
• Ethics 

Mal is a former Commissioner of police in South Australia, having been appointed in 1997 and retired from the position in 2012. Prior to this he was a member of Victoria Police for 30 years and held a position as Deputy Commissioner prior to his appointment in South Australia.

Since 2012 Mal has been and is, a member of a number of boards and not-for-profit organisations, such as Chair of the ANZAC Day Commemoration Council and Chair of St John Ambulance SA. Currently he is a member of boards for the Bedford Group and Leaders Institute SA.

Mal has also been active in conducting reviews into various aspects of organisational performance for Governments within Australia, including child abuse in the churches (Victoria), bushfires (Tasmania), safety on public transport (Victoria) and employment processes in child residential care (South Australia).

Mal is particularly interested in designing organisations to optimise performance, leadership, decision making and individual personal development.  Other personal interests include family, travel and keeping fit.

Mal has a Law Degree and Masters in Business Administration, both from the University of Melbourne. He is also a FAICD and FIPAA.  

Director, Meridien Investment Pty Ltd

Areas of specialisation:

• Governance
• Finance and investment
• Strategy
• Start-ups and entrepreneurship
• Hospitality management

Michael’s background has primarily been in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, working in private enterprise as a hotelier for over 20 years. During this time, he worked closely with the South Australian Tourism Commission assisting to promote South Australia internationally. In later years focusing on industry development through his chairmanship of the South Australian Tourism Accreditation Board, and directorship of the national body, Tourism Accreditation Australia Limited. 

In 2006 he changed career direction to private investment, working predominantly in equities, property development and business investment.

With ongoing directorships in private companies and the not-for-profit sector he is outgoing chairman of SA Angels Incorporated and is an active Angel Investor assisting developing companies to find expansion and commercialisation funding. 

General Manager, Hender Careers

Areas of specialisation:

• Management and training
• Human resources management 

Michelle’s passion for facilitating the growth and development of individuals has been a core focus throughout her life. She is accomplished in working with clients and individuals across all tiers of business structure and all industries.

Her career has centred on leading and developing people, working initially within the South Australian Independent Girls’ Schools sector (24 years) in roles including Acting and Deputy Principal, and Head of Middle and Senior Schools. This work led her to the development of others within the corporate, not for profit and public sectors through organisational consultancy and diverse training and development programs.

With expertise in business and project management, executive and career coaching, training, development and facilitation, Michelle is perfectly placed to assist high calibre graduate students transition seamlessly into an appropriate profession and industry.

Michelle's community work, media and consultancy experience, and breadth of public and private business networks is an asset to the Executive Partners Program. 

Founder and Managing Director, Explore Potential

Areas of specialisation:

• Managing and training
• Developing positive organisational culture 
• Customer and stakeholder engagement
• Government relations

Driven by making a positive difference though connecting strategy to individual team members led Nicole to establish Explore Potential in 2014.

Nicole's experience in senior management, executive and director roles in multinationals, nationals, and state-based organisation as well as former CEO of scosa (the Spastic Centre of South Australia) one of SA's largest not for profits results in her bringing a unique and valuable perspective to her mentor relationships. 

Nicole's work and contributions to the social and business communities have been highly awarded by the Telstra Business Women's Awards in two categories, CPA Top 40 leaders and the Marketing Institute of Australia.

Nicole has been an Executive Partner since 2010 and brings a particularly optimistic and aspirational quality to our Executive Partners Program, especially to the like-minded high achieving students with whom she mentors. 

Founder & Managing Director, Underwood Executive

Areas of specialisation:

• Business Professional Services
• Business Entrepreneur 
• Accounting – Finance
• Law
• Management / HR

Nicole is Founder and Managing Director of Underwood Executive, who specialises in sourcing C-suite, leadership and hard to fill positions in the industry. Since graduating from UniSA in 1999, Nicole has been enjoying her talent acquisition and executive coaching career. She was General Manager for Entrée Recruitment and SA Council Member for RCSA Australia and New Zealand before establishing Underwood Executive. With a passion in developing leaders, Nicole is keen on giving back to students in the Program. 

Chief Executive Officer, City of Unley

Areas of specialisation:

• Executive Management
• Council and Local Government 
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership and Management
• Community and Infrastructure Management

Peter has enjoyed an extensive career within both State and Local Government, spanning over 30 years and in 2011 was appointed as Chief Executive Officer at the City of Unley. As CEO Peter is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the Council’s business which includes the management and administration of all human and physical resources in the delivery of services to the community of Unley.  

Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Peter worked as General Manager at both the City of Unley and the City of Marion where he was responsible for the delivery of Council services with extensive portfolios ranging from Planning and Engineering to Community Services and Libraries. Peter has a degree in Civil Engineering and upon graduation, worked in the State Government Highways Department for a number of years on road infrastructure and traffic projects, before commencing a career in Local Government at the City of Adelaide.

Peter also worked for a time with the RAA in a traffic safety and policy role which involved providing advice to various State Government groups in relation to traffic safety and road infrastructure.

He has an MBA and Graduate Certificate in Business Excellence and has an interest in Organisation Culture, Business Improvement, Economic Development and Active Ageing. This has led to the City of Unley being recognised nationally and internationally on its approach to Active Ageing and its vision to create an age-friendly city.

Aside from his current role, Peter is also the Chair of the Australia Day Council SA and a Board Member of St Basil’s Homes. 

Assistant Commissioner, South Australia Police

Areas of specialisation:

• Ethical and professional standards
• Logistic management  
• Marketing & communication
• Community engagement

Philip has extensive experience as a senior manager and executive member in South Australian government agency (South Australia Police). Over 32 years of policing experience combined with undergraduate degrees in Management (Logistics Management and Marketing) through to MBA (graduate of 2014). Broad range of skills within policing with engagement on national boards and advisory bodies. International experience in police policy and practice. Experience in legislative change achieved through community consultation and ministerial advocacy.

Philip's current portfolio includes executive management of ethical and professional standards, risk management, auditing, risk and performance management, (chair) public information, marketing and communication, community engagement media liaison, Office of the General Counsel, business continuity executive management group (chair), custody management portfolio, corporate policy, drug and alcohol policy, legislative review and media road safety unit. 

Business Development Manager, Australian Centre for Business Growth 

Areas of specialisation:

• Strategic and Integrated Marketing 
• Public Sector 
• Innovative communications & engagement

Richard is a leader in delivering strategic and integrated marketing communications and engagement for the public sector. He has spent almost two decades working for key departments including justice, administrative services, transport, planning, Premier and Cabinet, and human services. Currently working as a business development manager at Australian Centre for Business Growth and previously as Director, Communications and Engagement in the State Government, he is firm believer in using his experience, skills and knowledge to help organisations to achieve its social, economic and environmental goals via effective engagement with stakeholders and the public.

He established the inaugural, multi-agency South Australian Government Communications Plan and developed promotions for the State’s international trade missions. His campaign work includes road, rail and marine safety, major transport and infrastructure projects, economic priorities, vibrant Adelaide, transition to the NDIS, nuclear consultation, special numberplates, and the move to new working with children checks to name a few. He is continually looking for the most innovative and cutting-edge ways to deliver integrated, pragmatic, innovative and effective communications and engagement.

Richard is committed to helping people achieve genuine work life balance and champions this in workplaces. He is a passionate advocate for Reconciliation and contributed towards this goal as co-chair of the human services department’s Reconciliation Committee. He completed the Governor’s Leadership Foundation program for 2020. 

Managing Director, RDF Business Services

Areas of specialisation:

• SME owner/developer
• SME & Volunteer organisations 
• Advisory Boards

Robin is the Managing Director for RDF Business Services Ltd. He sits on a number of Boards and Advisory Boards for businesses and volunteer organisations across the UK, and supports the SME sector in a variety of ways, having formerly been the Managing Director for the Business Banking Division in Santander UK and Europe.  He has worked with SME’s and business owners for many years, and sat on a number of key national projects such as the Healthy High Street initiative, and the Future High Street Forum as an Executive member.

He is a Non-Executive Director for the Salvation Army International, an independent Non-Executive Director for the Reliance Bank in the UK, and an Advisory Board member for “Coconut”, an exciting new FinTech start-up business. He is also a Visiting Fellow for Nottingham Business School, and chairs their Advisory Board.

He chairs the “Dart Music Festival”, a free to attend event entirely run by volunteers, with donations and sponsorship all raised locally. 

He enjoyed a career in Banking spanning over 25 years, during at least 15 of which he led retail, corporate and business banking teams at both Barclays and, from 2008, with Santander. 

Theoretically semi-retired, he lives in Devon, and enjoys a number of hobbies, including trying to keep fit, watching rugby union (England, Bath and Exeter Chiefs), maintaining a boat on the River Dart, cooking, gardening and a wide interest in music.

Board Director & Strategic Consultant, Various

Sandy was elected Lord Mayor in 2018 having served as a Councillor, Deputy Lord Mayor and General Manager for the City of Adelaide. Climate leadership, residential amenity, strong business growth and a vibrant city culture are the hallmarks of her time at Town Hall. 

Prior to that Sandy worked for more than 20 years in senior leadership roles largely focused on Australia’s Arts and Culture scene. She is a successful activation and cultural strategist and has fostered, promoted and developed some of Adelaide’s rich cultural experiences including the Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide, Adelaide Film Festival and the Adelaide Fringe.

Sandy is an experienced Board Director and has served on many boards including the Premier’s Climate Change Council and the Adelaide Park Lands Authority and currently chairs the Art Gallery of SA and the SA Heritage Council. Sandy is a Churchill Fellow, a Bloomberg Harvard alumnus and an adjunct at the University.

Former Associate Director - Supply Chain and Business, Bridgestone Australia Ltd

Stanley was a member of the Bridgestone ANZ Executive team for 14 years with extensive experience in company operations, specializing in supply chain, analytics and marketing. He is passionate in Lean Processes and Automation.

His objective is to use this extensive experience gained in this leading global company to help others operate with class leading efficiency to global benchmarks.

Having established the Bridgestone Leukaemia Patient Transport Vehicles in conjunction with Peter Brock in 1999, which grew to 12 vehicles nationally, Stanley has a strong community orientation to enhance the lives of others.

Stanley's breath of experience in a leading global organisation will help enhance the Executive Partners Program.

Chief Executive Officer, Crux Biolabs

Areas of specialisation:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Business development 
• Marketing
• Sales & Operations

Stefan has an extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry, having held several leadership roles at Mayne Pharma before joining Crux Biolabs. In his most recent position, he oversaw various aspects of Australian operations, including pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, domestic sales, marketing, and international partnerships. Additionally, Stefan played a key role in expanding Mayne Pharma's US operations in Raleigh, North Carolina. Throughout his 30-year career, he has gained experience in multiple areas such as strategy, business development, M&A, sales and marketing, HR, and IT. When not at work, Stefan enjoys spending time tending to his garden or working on DIY projects.

Non-Executive Director, Uniting Care Wesley Bowden

Areas of specialisation:

• Finance
• Strategic planning 
• Transformational change
• Financial sustainability
• Customer service
• Management 
• Marketing 
• Communications

Stephen is a highly experienced executive at both state and national levels having successfully led multi-disciplinary teams to deliver serviced focused, cost effective and efficient services to support the organisation and its customers. He has boosted and sustained organisational performance with a service-driven and continuous improvement focus, achieving strategic business objectives through the delivery of commercial, people and customer satisfaction imperatives.

Working closely with CEOs, Stephen's accountabilities have included all aspects of strategy, legal, risk and governance, finance, information technology, customer services, marking and communication, cultural change and human resources. Stephen has also reported to boards and has been responsible for multiple board committees, providing improved reporting capabilities and information flow. 

His ability in improving financial sustainability through strategic improvement of business functions and marketing methodologies resulting in a sustained net increase in customer base and customer activity is his strength.

An MBA graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Stephen has strong people, leadership and coaching skills coupled with a passion for delivery of superior customer and stakeholder value.  
 

General Manager in the wine industry

Areas of specialisation:

• SME owner/developer
• Strategy development (small and family business) 
• Leadership and staff development
• Production and project management 

Steven’s background is primarily as an engineer and production manager in the food industry both in the UK and Australia. Initially managing small shift-based teams, he later moved to the management of a large commercial bakery with over 500 staff. Recently his interests have evolved to the more strategic elements of developing and running a business, particularly the smaller business environment as it gives a broader range of experiences and more opportunity to apply the knowledge he has gained throughout his career.

Steven has a wealth of experience in a range of industries such as the food production, IT and wine. His titles have included General Manager, Company Secretary, and Director. He is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (UK), a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Management and Leaders. He has also achieved Chartered Engineer and Chartered Manager status. 

Director/Retired, Startup Adelaide

Areas of specialisation:

• Startup founder
• CFO 
• Export Business and Marketing
• Strategy

Stuart was co-founder, Director, and CFO of YourAmigo Ltd which was South Australia's exporter of the year in 2008. YourAmigo was incorporated in 1999 and successfully commercialised novel search technology acquired from the Flinders University.

YourAmigo’s is a technology leader in the search marketing space with installations on web sites in over 30 different countries including many of the world’s top 100 e-commerce companies. Headquarters are currently in Adelaide although virtually all sales are now export. 

Stuart grew up in Silicon Valley, starting his career as a CPA with KPMG in San Jose, California and migrated to Adelaide in 1993. He is now an investor in three South Australian's start-ups; Happy Inspector, Portalalink Solutions and Frontier microscopy and currently a limited partner in Blackbird Ventures.  Stuart spends time mentoring entrepreneurs and volunteering.

Company Secretary, 1414 Degrees Ltd & Lutheran Laypeoples League

Areas of specialisation:

• Chartered accountant
• Finance and general management 
• Corporate strategy and development
• Advisory boards to non executive board director
• Facilities
• Property management 
• Building masterplanning 

Tania is an experienced Non-Executive Director, Company Secretary and Governance professional and C-suite executive. She has held roles across a number of sectors, including clean energy, mining and resources, aged care, education, private health, disability services and retail. 
 
Her skills include corporate governance and company secretariat leadership, key stakeholder relationship management, general and operations management, financial management, risk and compliance management. She is adept at leading organisations and teams through strategic and operational change, and mentoring staff to develop their full potential and value to organisations.

Tania has a Bachelor of Arts (Accounting), is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Masters in Business Administration, an Australian Institute of Company Director’s Diploma and a Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance. She has 20 years’ experience as a non-executive Director, having Chaired Finance, Audit and Risk committees, been a member of Governance committees and an independent member of Audit and Risk committees.

Company Director and Legal Consultant, Paprusy Australia Ltd

Areas of specialisation:

• SME owner/developer
• Company director and consultant
• Legal and business advisor
• Advisory role in private and public bodies

Ted is a Company Director and Legal Consultant with an extensive background as a legal and business advisor.

He was a Partner of Norman Waterhouse Lawyers in Adelaide from 1973 until 2007 where he provided strategic commercial advice to industry, commerce and government enterprises. As a Partner, Ted led a dynamic team engaged in local, national and international business. Organisational development, corporate governance and succession planning were the focus of his attention in those years. 

In his professional career Ted has advised many companies undertaking business in Australia and overseas markets, as well as foreign companies operating in Australia. Ted has considerable experience advising private and public entities in their dealings with state and local governments. He has a thorough understanding of the legal, commercial and political requirements of doing business with government at all levels.

Over the past decade, Ted has been appointed to a number of private and public corporation boards to which he brings general commercial legal skills and a diversity of experience from my legal and business background. 

Principal Consultant, Tulpen

Areas of specialisation:

• Governance
• Risk Management 
• Strategic Planning
• Work Injury Insurance

Trudy Minett worked in commercial construction until 1988 where she undertook industrial market research to broaden market penetration across Australia. Trudy then travelled to the United Kingdom to undertake a Master of Business Administration in London. Whilst in the UK, Trudy worked with a number of organisations in industrial market research, analytics and corporate planning.

Trudy returned to Adelaide and worked in work injury insurance across a variety of functions including governance, risk management, scheme compliance, strategic and business planning, performance reporting, communications, stakeholder engagement, claims management and provider management. 

Trudy also has considerable expertise in leading corporate wide transformational projects and initiatives, engaging stakeholders and staff in change programs as well as communicating at Board and stakeholder levels.

More recently, Trudy currently was the Chief Executive Officer at the Motor Accident Commission, focused on influencing road safety behaviour to save lives and reduce road trauma. She has a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), a Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis, an Australian Institute of Company Director’s Diploma and a Master of Business Administration. 

Non-Executive Director, Judge and Mentor, Australian E-Challenge

Areas of specialisation:

• Health and aged care
• Disability and housing 
• Governance and policy
• Not for profit and charitable sector
• Health safety, environment and quality
• Risk management and regulatory compliance 
• NFP merges and acquisitions
• Translating strategies in operational and business plans

Wojtek is an experienced Chairman, Company Director, CEO, Consultant, General Manager and Director of Nursing. He has held numerous consulting and executive roles in the service industry including over 20 years’ experience in disability, health and aged care which is demonstrated in his personal commitment in quality service delivery.

Wojtek's professional affiliations include; the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australasian College of Health Service Management and the Adelaide University MBA Alumni Association. He also enjoys donating his time to charitable organisations, being a judge and mentor in the Commercialisation and Innovation Centre's "Entrepreneurs' Challenge." 

Raising four children, he enjoys travelling and adventure activities such as four-wheel driving, scuba diving as well as snow and water sports.