Corporate Ladder: your weekly guide to executive appointments in South Australia
South Australia’s premier executive appointments column tracking the movements of those driving the state’s public and private sectors. Plus, the latest executive recruitment opportunities.
Future in store for SIA
South Australian-based self storage fund manager, Storage Investments Australia (SIA), has announced the promotion of Jake Stacy to the newly created position of CEO.
Stacy joined SIA in January 2021 as general manager of growth and investment, a role he held for four and a half years.
Before this, Stacy worked in investment banking at Rothschild & Co’s mid-market team, Arrowpoint Advisory, where he led transactions across technology, tech-enabled services and advanced industrial sectors.
He also spent close to five years at Deloitte in Adelaide, including most recently as a manager in the mergers and acquisitions team
“Jake has led major initiatives across capital raising, acquisitions, developments, funds management, store operations and strategy, at a time when SIA has tripled its assets under management and successfully grown its own store operating platform Roomia Self Storage into a trusted national brand,” said SIA chair Con Tragakis.
“Jake’s expertise across strategic advisory, corporate finance and investment has been pivotal to growing our business and unlocking significant value for our investors and stakeholders. He is a proven leader who operates with integrity and humility.”
Adelaide local leads marketing for Brissy Olympics
Adelaide local Brent Hill has been appointed the chief marketing officer for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee.
In this role, Hill will be responsible for oversight, planning and delivery of the Brisbane 2032 brand assets, marketing and experiential campaigns, as well as the live sites across Australia and abroad.
Originally from Adelaide, Hill was CEO of Tourism Fiji from July 2021 until September of this year.
Before this, he spent nearly six years as chief marketing officer for the South Australian Tourism Commission.
He has also been head of marketing at People’s Choice Credit Union, a café owner, national marketing manager at Harris Scarfe, national marketing manager at EzyDVD and coordinator of brand management at Telstra.
“Having Brent’s global marketing and tourism experience positions us to maximise the opportunities the Games will afford, including supporting lasting legacies for Brisbane, Queensland and beyond,” said Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook.
“Brent has a strong track record in executing global strategic campaigns and activations. I’m looking forward to working with him and the broader team to bring our brand to life.”
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Independent Non-Executive Director for HAMBS Systems Limited, an Australian technology company owned by 15 private health insurance funds representing 25 brands. Credibility in both technology and finance in a highly regulated environment preferred. Chief Executive Officer for the Australian Medical Association South Australia, an influential peak body and voice on health matters for doctors, trainee doctors and the SA community. Chief Executive Officer for highly respected not-for-profit, Lutheran Care, a well-established provider of community and social services across SA and NT. Lead a mission-driven organisation where values of Social Justice, Compassion, Inclusion and Courage underpin the everyday operations. Chief Financial Officer for MADEC Australia, a successful community-owned not-for-profit charitable organisation. With frequent travel expected, the position can be based in either Mildura, Adelaide or Melbourne. |
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A taste of success
Jessica Ducrou has joined Tasting Australia as festival advisor, and Duncan Welgemoed as festival curator.
Ducrou has extensive experience as a music festival creator and promoter.
She co-founded Secret Sounds in 1998, where she remained until June 2024.
She was also the co-founder of Splendour in the Grass, Harvest Rock and the Falls Festival.
In June of this year, Ducrou founded event services company Black Peach X.
“I’ve long admired Tasting Australia’s ethos and the way it so beautifully shares the best of South Australia with an audience from near and far,” she said.
“I’m delighted to contribute to its next incarnation, working alongside the creative and event team to deliver a program infused with the best in show offerings and fab South Australian hospitality.”
Welgemoed is an award-winning, South African-born chef known for founding the restaurant Africola in 2014.
He has been involved with Tasting Australia since 2016, having recently teamed up with Parwana for Tasting Australia by Train in 2025.
“The magic of this festival is the way it brings people together – often in new or unexpected ways – to share stories through the plate and through the glass,” Welgemoed said.
“Tasting Australia is both launchpad and stage: a place where industry newcomers feature alongside stars already changing the game. I’m so proud to be part of it.”
Tasting Australia will return in 2026 from May 8-17.
Hender Careers appoints a new general manager
Hender Careers has announced the appointment of Jodie Escott as its new general manager.
Hender Careers said Escott has a background spanning marketing, communications and business development, with experience leading growth and brand transformation across education, governance and business.
Escott joins in the general manager role at Hender Careers as it seeks to strengthen its national presence and expand its impact across career transition, coaching, leadership workshops, professional development and outplacement services.
Before joining Hender Careers, Escott was director of community relations at Concordia College Adelaide, where she spent five years.
Throughout her career, Escott has been the head of advancement at Wilderness School, general manager at Limelight Marketing, production and media manager at George Patterson and marketing, media and production manager at the Advertising Gallery.
Escott is currently also a strategic marketing consultant and director of her business, Marketing Assembly Co., and has spent more than 20 years as a freelance strategic marketing and communications advisor at FIT Think.
“Jodie’s appointment reflects our commitment to evolving the business for the future. Her strategic vision and leadership experience will enhance the value we deliver to clients across Australia,” said Hender Group founder and managing director, Mark Hender.
Making a difference at Meals on Wheels SA
Meals on Wheels SA has appointed Bob Fleming as its new quality manager.
The volunteer-based not-for-profit said Fleming has more than 30 years of quality, food and general management experience.
In his role, Fleming will ensure compliance with aged care standards and regulations at Meals on Wheels SA.
Stay informed, daily
He will also work closely with the senior management team to maintain, develop and implement its quality framework, with the aim of enhancing service delivery and customer outcomes.
Fleming has joined Meals on Wheels SA from Australia Post, where he spent two years as a postal delivery officer.
Throughout his career, he has also been CEO of Maggie Beer Products and Catalano Seafoods, as well as managing director of the Big Prawn Company (UK).
Fleming has a Master’s of Ageing from the University of Melbourne.
“Meals on Wheels SA’s offering closely aligns with my knowledge and values. With a career history focused on quality and customer service, I look forward to contributing to the ongoing stability and growth of this much-loved organisation,” said Fleming.
Vice-chair elected at GPSA
Steve Ball has re-joined the Grain Producers SA (GPSA) board as vice-chair and chair of its newly formed policy committee.
GPSA said Ball is a highly experienced grain producer based in the Mid-North.
Throughout his career, he has also been a lecturer in research at Roseworthy Agricultural College, chair of the SA No-Till Farmers Association, a board member of Grain Producers Australia and GrainGrowers Limited and contributed to GPSA’s former Research, Development and Extension Committee.
Ball previously served as a director on the GPSA from 2014 to 2020 and was re-elected to the board at its annual general meeting (AGM).
“Steve is not only a highly regarded grain producer but also a proven industry advocate who understands the policy and market pressures growers are facing right now,” said GPSA chair John Gladigau.
At the same meeting, Gladigau was reinstated as GPSA board chair, while Murraylands Grower director Deanna Paech was re-appointed for a second term, and Chelly Litster and Peta Willmott retired as directors.
Paech was also appointed as chair of the GPSA Young Grain Producers Committee at the AGM.
Moving up at Johnston Withers Lawyers
South Australian law firm Johnston Withers Lawyers has announced the promotion of Caitlin Walkington to director.
Walkington specialises in estate litigation, succession law and defamation.
She joined Johnston Withers Lawyers 14 years ago as a law clerk, working her way up to lawyer and, most recently, as a senior lawyer.
In her most recent role, Walkington held the role of practice leader of the litigation team.
She also regularly appears on FIVEAA radio on the Thursday morning legal segment with Johnston Withers Lawyers director, Tim Downie.
“Caitlin consistently demonstrates outstanding commitment and passion for the success of the firm. Caitlin’s dedication to our staff and clients will continue to drive the firm forward,” said Jenny Seal, who is general manager of Johnston Withers Lawyers.
Jumping on board at SYC
Louise Marsh and Dr Kylie Henderson have joined the board of South Australian-based not-for-profit SYC.
Marsh has more than two decades of experience advising organisations on strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and reputational risk.
She is currently the managing director of the corporate communication and public relations firm, Corporate Conversation, and has been a board member of Volunteering SA & NT since October 2024
Henderson is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Humanity Health Group Australia, where she leads a team of more than 500 allied health professionals delivering mental health and allied health solutions.
She is also the founder and managing director of Back2Work and secretary of the National Clinical Psychology College at the Australian Psychological Society.
Henderson has held senior roles in the government, employment, health and corporate sectors, with expertise in corporate and clinical governance, digital health innovation, strategic planning and people and culture leadership.
SYC chair David Hallett welcomed Marsh and Henderson to the board.
“Both bring extensive experience in leadership, governance, and community-focused work, with expertise across health, communication, digital innovation, and strategic business leadership,” he said.
“Their appointments bring additional depth and perspective to our Board. We look forward to the contribution they will make as SYC continues working toward our vision of wellbeing, opportunity and independence for everyone.”
SYC is headquartered in Kent Town and offers housing, education, employment, justice and disability support to people across Australia.
