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.
Financial officer to join Solstice Media
Solstice Media has appointed Heath Richards as its new chief financial and commercial officer.
Richards has more than 20 years’ experience in executive financial roles and commercial roles in media.
Richards would bring extensive knowledge in financial strategy, operational leadership and business transformation to support Solstice Media as it looks to grow its portfolio.
He was group operations finance director at global advertising agency dentsu which works in the retail, sport and professional services sectors.
Prior to that, Richards was head of commercial for Cotton On Group and was head of commercial for merchandise and marketing at Target.
“Heath brings deep commercial and financial experience, along with a sharp understanding of how to drive sustainable growth in modern media businesses,” Solstice Media managing director Paul Hamra said.
Breaking barriers at LLL Australia
Adelaide-based charitable financial institution LLL Australia has appointed Karen Pienaar as the 104-year-old company’s first female CEO.
Pienaar has experience working in executive roles across the transport, aviation and not-for-profit sectors and has served as interim CEO of LLL for the past three months.
She previously served as chief financial officer and interim CEO of not-for-profit salary packaging company Community Business Bureau.
Pienaar was also head of finance and administration at transport company Heavy Automatics and was head of operations – offshore and head of finance – aviation at aerospace and defence company Babcock.
“Karen’s vast experience and industry insight across multiple sectors makes her an ideal leader to steer our organisation into the future,” LLL chair Steve Podlich said.
Experienced CFO joins Elixir Energy
Adelaide-based oil and gas exploration company Elixir Energy has announced the appointment of Justin Ferravant as chief financial officer (CFO) and company secretary.
Ferravant has more than 25 years’ experience across the energy and resources sectors, having last served as CFO and company secretary of Strike Energy since 2017.
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He has been responsible for the delivery of project and asset financing for the development of multiple energy projects and has experience in financial management, corporate governance and strategic project delivery.
“The appointment of Justin comes at a crucial time in the company’s development, coinciding with the critical decision to appoint employees to the COO and CFO positions,” non-executive chairman Richard Cottee said.
“Given our focus on commercialisation of our acreage, Justin’s background could not be more apposite.”
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A Board Chair for the Leaders Institute of South Australia – a dynamic, purpose-driven NFP organisation delivering transformative leadership development programs, including the highly regarded flagship Governor’s Leadership Foundation (GLF) program. Succeeding current Chair Todd Roberts, this is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and well-connected governance leader to guide a values-driven Board committed to advancing leadership capability and social impact across SA. The Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, fostering cross-sector collaboration and championing the Institute’s mission to build impactful leaders through life-changing programs. Human Resources Manager for St Michael’s College, a leading Catholic co-educational College in the Lasallian tradition, committed to the human and Christian education of the young, especially the poor, through Community, Challenge and Choice. With around 2,300 students and 280 staff across its Primary and Secondary campuses, the College is South Australia’s second largest independent school and is committed to ensuring that it remains a leader in educational excellence. Reporting to the Business Manager and working closely with senior leadership, this is a prime opportunity for an experienced or emerging HR professional to lead strategic and operational HR initiatives in a thriving, inclusive and values-based educational community. |
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New leadership at SRWRA
Waste management solution company Southern Region Waste Resource Authority (SRWRA) has named Martin Borgas as its new CEO.
Borgas is an experienced local government executive who previously served as CEO of the District Council of Mount Remarkable and CEO of the District Council of Karoonda East Murray.
The appointment follows SRWRA’s move to add food organics and green organics waste processing to its mix of services as part of its ongoing joint venture partnership with Integrated Waste Services.
“Martin’s expertise will strengthen our collaboration with joint venture partners as we work to enhance the integration of our services on behalf of our constituent councils, the Cities of Marion, Onkaparinga, and Holdfast Bay,” SRWRA chairman Mark Booth said.
“Martin has a track record for driving operational excellence and leading small teams with impact, and we’re looking forward to working with him to implement the vision and strategy that SRWRA has worked hard to establish.”
Gas explorer appoints managing director
Jade Gas Holdings Limited, an SA-based gas exploration company focused on coal-bed methane potential in Mongolia, has appointed Chris Newport as its managing director.
Newport is set to begin his role on November 10 and brings more than 40 years’ experience in business development and executive roles, where he was involved in more than $40 billion of gas market transactions.
He has previously worked for BHP and Santos during his career and served as CEO and president director for NuEnergy Gas Limited.
More recently, Newport has advised on strategic and commercial development for a private coal bed methane company in Mongolia and has had experience with coal bed methane since 1987.
“We are confident that Chris’s extensive experience of commercialising energy projects in the Asian region will position the company to execute on the many commercial options in front of us,” Jade executive director Joe Burke said.
“The board looks forward to working with Chris as we execute on our strategy and deliver long-term value for shareholders.”
Former government advisor joins Ace Strategies
Former political adviser Kevin Naughton has been appointed as a strategic counsel at corporate affairs firm Ace Strategies.
Naughton has more than 30 years’ experience in government relations and journalism, where he worked in print, radio and broadcasting.
He has previously served as chief of staff at the Sunday Mail, business editor for InDaily and led political offices for Liberal, Labor and Independent government leaders.
Ace Strategies is an Adelaide-based media management and strategic communications company where Naughton will specialise in media communication and strategy.
“For decades, Kevin has navigated the intersection of government relations, media influence, and strategic communications. His networks, insight and intellect are unrivalled,” Ace Strategies founder and managing director Matt Neagle said.
Wine Grape Council of SA
The Wine Grape Council of SA (WGCSA) has announced the appointment of an interim chair and new regional committee members following its annual general meeting.
Lachlan Allen has been appointed the interim chair of WGCSA and has been on the council since 2022.
Allen has extensive knowledge of the wine industry and has served as the family owner of both Barristers Block Wines since 2020 and Boston Bay Wines since 2023.
James Meyer, Martin Wirper, Steve Fox, and Amanda Dimas are the new regional appointments as the council looks to strengthen its focus on advocacy, collaboration and knowledge building.
Meyer has more than 30 years of experience in the wine industry across the country, with involvement in several committees, including ten years at the Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Grape Growers Council.
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Wirper is the vineyard manager and viticulturist at Rymill Coonawarra and had previously spent more than 15 years as assistant vineyard manager at Treasury Wine Estates.
Fox has been the owner of Yatto Vineyards since 2023 and has worked in executive positions at the national civil engineering company GHD for almost 20 years.
Dimas currently serves as chair of the Riverland Winegrape Growers Association, where she represents growers on the board of Riverland Wine.
“Our work continues to centre on strong advocacy for growers, fostering collaboration across regions and stakeholders, and building knowledge that helps our members adapt and thrive,” Allen said.
New faces at Adelaide Fringe board
Adelaide Fringe has announced the appointment of new board members and the movement of key members at October’s annual general meeting.
The two new appointments include Jamie Dreckow as treasurer and Matt Tarrant as board member.
Dreckow has served as a partner of accounting and tax consultancy firm Nexia Edwards Marshall for more than 20 years and is the current company secretary for the Energy and Water Ombudsman in SA.
Tarrant is an award-winning magician and the founder of the magician entertainment company MindBlown Productions.
He has previously performed at the Adelaide Fringe and has served as an Adelaide Fringe Foundation board member since 2023.
“We’re delighted to welcome Jamie and Matt,” Adelaide Fringe chair Paul Hamra said.
“Jamie’s financial and governance acumen will strengthen our oversight at a pivotal time, while Matt brings a vital artist-led perspective grounded in real touring, production and audience growth.”
Other board changes include Cathy Parker, who has been announced as deputy chair, and Emily Farrell, who was formally elected to the board.
Parker has been a Fringe board member since 2023 and has worked as the principal policy officer at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and served in executive positions for SA Health.
Farrell has extensive experience across law, industrial relations, government relations and public policy across Australia and the US, where she worked at a US immigration law firm.
Jumping on board at Racing SA
Racing SA has appointed Nadia Angelo to the Racing SA board as a non-executive director.
With more than 20 years’ experience as a commercial and litigation lawyer, Angelo has worked in major events, sports and entertainment sectors.
Angelo has held senior roles as executive general manager – legal, risk and governance and company secretary at the Victoria Racing Club and served as general counsel and company secretary at Racing.com.
In these roles, she secured media deals for thoroughbred racing, including the 2024-29 Victoria Racing Club’s media rights and sponsorship deal with Tabcorp and Nine Entertainment.
“Her deep knowledge of media rights, governance and industry operations will be invaluable as Racing SA continues to strengthen the future of South Australian racing,” Racing SA chair Rob Rorrison said.
Don Dunstan Foundation welcomes new committee members
The Don Dunstan Foundation has announced the appointment of two new members to join its committee of management.
Julia Sumner has senior experience in business, government and not-for-profit roles.
She has been the CEO of Adelaide fashion business Acler since 2018 and has previously been chief of staff and ministerial adviser for the state government.
Sumner was previously in senior roles at not-for-profit Oxfam Australia where she served as general manager and director of operations.
Kirstie Parker also joins the committee of management and is an Aboriginal leader that has worked in many executive roles and represented First Nations people.
Her current roles include head of First Nations at the South Australian Film Corporation and co-chair of Reconciliation Australia.
In previous roles, Parker was director of Aboriginal affairs and reconciliation at the Attorney General’s Department where she implemented the Uluru Statement from the Heart at a state level.
“We could not be more thrilled to be joined by two people of Julia and Kirstie’s calibre and experience,” chair of the committee of management Matt Clemow.
“It’s an enormously exciting 12 months as we enter 2026, the centenary of Don Dunstan’s birth, and we are so fortunate to have these two women and their respective skill sets.”
