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.
CEO starts at Zahra Foundation
Tania Potts has been announced as the CEO of not-for-profit organisation The Zahra Foundation, which supports women impacted by domestic abuse.
Potts has more than 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, having worked for eight years as chief support, services and impact officer at HeartKids, where she led national programs in mental health and provided support for families affected by childhood-onset heart disease.
The Zahra Foundation said Potts would bring a wealth of expertise across government relations, fundraising, program development and community and corporate partnerships.
Potts said she was honoured to join the team and lead an organisation that was “truly changing lives”.
“Supporting women and children to rebuild safe, economically independent futures after domestic and family violence is an incredibly important mission,” she said.
“I look forward to working with our partners, supporters, and communities to expand our impact.”
New leader for National Trust of South Australia
The National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) has announced the appointment of Nicolette Di Lernia as its new CEO.
Di Lernia has more than 25 years’ experience in architecture, cultural heritage, and organisational leadership, having served as SA’s executive director of the Australian Institute of Architects for the past 10 years.
She is a registered architect who has advocated for heritage protection and the preservation of SA’s built and natural environments across her career.
“I am passionate about the role that heritage plays in our communities—both as a source of identity and as a driver for innovation and sustainability,” Di Lernia said.
“I look forward to working with the Council, members, staff, and volunteers to strengthen the Trust’s important work in protecting and activating our heritage places and natural reserves.”
NTSA is a community-based not-for-profit whose core mission is to protect and promote historic sites, natural reserves, museums and local heritage sites in SA.
JamFactory unveils new director
JamFactory has announced the appointment of Dr Lee-Anne Hall as its curatorial director.
Hall has worked for more than three decades in the arts and education sectors, having served the past five years as director of Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and was previously Penrith Regional Gallery director for six years.
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JamFactory said that in her previous roles, Hall has successfully increased annual audience attendance, local artist development and oversaw several award-winning projects.
Hall’s role as director — which is set to begin in mid-January — would involve leading JamFactory’s exhibitions program and associated public programs and exhibition tours.
JamFactory CEO Brian Parkes said Hall’s “deep experience and fresh perspectives” would be a welcome addition to the executive team.
“Hall will no doubt be transformational for JamFactory as we look to revitalise our approach to programming over the next few years,” he said.
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Multiple board subcommittee opportunities with Motor Neurone Disease Australia (MNDA), Australia’s peak body and voice for motor neurone disease. Positions include the Chair and members for the Research Committee, and members for the Data, Innovation & Technology Committee. These highly impactful voluntary national board committee roles will help shape and propel the national agenda for MND research and data ethics, and governance. Principal for St Mark’s Lutheran School, a vibrant and nurturing co-ed Foundation-Yr6 primary school serving the significant urban centre of Mt Barker. This is an outstanding opportunity for strategically focused educational leaders to lead a highly connected learning community in pursuing innovative opportunities in the high-growth region of the stunning Adelaide Hills, just 20 minutes drive from the CBD. Regional Workplace Health Safety & Environment Business Partner for a significant national fresh produce leader, Perfection Fresh. This influential role will shape and enhance WHS&E culture for the southern region covering SA, Vic, Tas and WA, and is based at the significant and impressive Two Wells facility just 30 minutes from Adelaide. Enjoy a supportive and progressive culture with substantial employee benefits. Human Resources Manager for established and respected wine industry icon, Taylors Wines. Located in the picturesque Clare Valley, this role oversees all operational aspects of the HR function at the Auburn Winery site, providing practical, pragmatic and strategic support across diverse winery departments. Volunteer and Visitor Engagement Coordinator for Nature Foundation (NF), a leading South Australian not-for-profit conservation organisation. This key role is responsible for coordinating the NF Volunteer Program across all reserves and works collaboratively across teams to deliver meaningful volunteer opportunities and engaging visitor experiences that support conservation outcomes. Some out-of-hours work, intra and interstate travel involving overnight to several-day absences from home will be required as part of the role. The Nature Foundation’s current portfolio of ten reserves includes Witchelina, Hiltaba, Watchalunga, Para Woodlands, Tiliqua, Geegeela, Bullock Bridge, Murbpook, Mongolurring and Pooginook. |
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A new role at Kennett Builders
Kennett Builders has appointed Daniel Woods to lead its health, safety and environment strategy in South Australia and Victoria.
In the newly-created role of executive manager of health, safety and environment, Woods will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing a comprehensive HSE Strategy.
Kennett Builders said Woods has almost two decades of experience in safety and construction settings, with the past 12 years spent leading the HSE function across multiple organisations.
He was most recently the HSEQ Manager at Fulton Hogan Utilities – SA, where he implemented key improvements to management systems and safety initiatives to support the organisation’s future growth. He has also held senior roles in safety at Hansen Yuncken and Built Environs.
Kennett General Manager Anthony Carbone said the Executive Manager, HSE role will be pivotal in driving continued best practice in construction delivery.
“As our portfolio of projects grows across the aged care, education, sports, industrial and retail sectors, we have elevated the HSE function to executive level to drive a contemporary approach to safety,” he said.
“Daniel is a highly regarded safety executive with extensive experience in operational risk, employee wellbeing and environmental compliance in complex, high-risk environments. This will support a new era of projects for Kennett.”
EGM Recruitment announces operations manager
EGM Recruitment has appointed Julia Day to its executive leadership team as operations manager.
Day is a senior executive with a background in both finance and law, having previously worked for five years as operations manager for ZED Management Consulting.
Before this, she was responsible for sales projects at Ouwens Casserly Real Estate and spent more than eight years at residential real estate group BresicWhitney in Sydney, including most recently as general manager.
In her role, Day would develop and execute strategies to “challenge conventional systems” at EGM Recruitment.
“Julia has a genuine ability for systems thinking and the experience required to be an effective leader and help us on our journey and growth,” EGM said.
Experienced architect to join Studio Nine Architects
Adelaide-based architecture and interior design company, Studio Nine Architects, has announced the appointment of its newest associate, which it said would strengthen the architectural team and leadership group.
Olivier Martin has taken on the position of associate architect at Studio Nine Architects.
Canadian-born Martin has extensive architectural experience, with nine years at Adelaide’s Studio Gram, where he spent more than nine years, including as an associate.
“What drew me to the studio was the alignment in values and culture, the family-first mentality, the collaborative way of working, and the opportunity to be part of a studio that’s continuing to evolve and make its mark,” Martin said.
Studio Nine Architects said Martin would bring both design strength and operational insight to the studio’s expanding portfolio, particularly in the housing and hospitality sectors.
Director of Ace Strategies announced
Adelaide corporate affairs firm Ace Strategies has welcomed Mel Jones as a new director.
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Ace Strategies was founded in 2024 and offers strategic communications, media management and business development for clients.
Jones has more than 15 years’ experience in the communications and government relations field.
She previously served as the senior strategic government adviser for SA Water and prior to that was senior adviser to former Treasurer Stephen Mullighan.
Ace Strategies founder and managing director Matt Neagle said the team was “thrilled” to welcome Jones on board.
“Her deep expertise in government relations is a fantastic addition to our team, and we know our clients will benefit greatly from her expertise,” he said.
“Government and industry leaders have long considered Mel to be an outstanding professional in public policy development, stakeholder engagement, and political strategy.”
Hospital Research Foundation Group welcomes new member
Adam Walker has joined the board of the Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRF Group) as a non-executive director.
THRF Group said Walker has extensive experience as a non-executive director, including at The Leprosy Mission Australia, SOS Health Foundation and Templestowe Orchards Retirement Village.
He has more than 20 years of experience as a partner at national law firm Gadens, specialising in commercial law and provided guidance on ethical research practices in health care as a member of the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Australian College of Optometry.
The Hospital Research Foundation Group said Walker had “contributed significantly” to social impact initiatives for organisations focused on overseas aid, disability services, Indigenous health, and non-profit retirement living.
Fresh faces to join Spence Club Inc.
Spence Club Inc. has announced the appointment of nine members to join the volunteer Board of Directors at its online Annual General Meeting (AGM) following board elections.
Spence Club is a not-for-profit networking organisation dedicated to supporting high-achieving women in South Australia.
Seven new general board members were elected: Mandy Azzam, Emma Dignon, Brittany Duregon, Katie Jansen, Rosemary Simper, Gabriela Vasconcelos and Katarina Watkins.
They are set to join the newly appointed executive team of Alexandra Beal as secretary, Mimi Sia as treasurer and Beth Shimmin, who has been reappointed as chairperson.
Shimmin is a marketing and communication professional with more than 12 years’ experience.
She previously served as associate director of digital communications and marketing at GRACosway and currently works as a senior strategic projects and communications specialist with the University of Adelaide.
Sia has worked in both accounting and marketing and currently serves as the senior project officer assisting with the Adelaide University merger in the financial services area.
Beal currently serves as an associate in commercial and civil litigation at HWLE Lawyers and has volunteered for JusticeNet SA and is a committee member for SA Young Lawyers.
Azzam has 21 years of experience in the banking industry, having served 11 years at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and now works as a customer delivery team leader at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dignon is the marketing and communications officer at LG Professionals SA and is a social media influencer who founded the fashion blog The Iconic Blonde.
Duregon is a senior associate at Mellor Olsson lawyers and was recently named a 2025 Rising Star in Injury and Compensation Law.
Jansen has worked in management roles at construction machine manufacturer Liebherr Group for more than 12 years and currently works as the general manager of inventory and supply chain.
Simper is a former senior police sergeant and has worked in marketing, communications and project management across both government and private sector and is now marketing manager of Fivecast.
Vasoncelos is a marketing and communications officer at Volunteering SA and NT and previously served as a marketing a podcast manager at Synergy IQ.
Watkins is a business and commercial lawyer at Wallmans Lawyers practising in corporate governance, commercial transactions, intellectual property and privacy law with a passion for working with Aboriginal and not-for-profit organisations.
“With our highly skilled new Board Members, we are determined to build on this excellent year and continue delivering consistent value to our members, advocating for women in South Australia, and growing a Club that is inclusive, ambitious and impactful,” Shimmin said.
