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.
New head of marketing at Adelaide art venue
Adelaide art and entertainment venue Immersive Light and Art (ILA) has welcomed Kaz Archer-Palmer as its head of marketing and communications.
Archer-Palmer has more than 15 years of experience as a senior brand, marketing and communications strategist in the arts and education sector.
She spent five years at the National Theatre in London as head of marketing and distribution, where she led the marketing team working on National Theatre Live, which broadcast theatre productions to cinemas.
Archer-Palmer has also worked as a marketing manager for both the University of South Australia and the new Adelaide University.
“We are excited to have Kaz joining the ILA management team as we continue to evolve this dynamic organisation. Kaz brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise that complements the fantastic team at ILA,” ILA CEO Becc Bates said.
Non-executive director retires from Santos
Santos has announced that Yasmin Allen has retired as a non-executive director following more than 10 years in the role.
Allen was first appointed in 2014 and has since provided expertise and guidance to the board during the execution of major growth transactions and one of the world’s highest and lowest cost onshore carbon capture and storage facilities.
She was chair of the Santos’s people, remuneration and culture committee from 2017 to 2024 and has been a member of the audit and risk committee.
Outside of Santos, she has held roles as chair of Future Skills Organisation, chair of Harrison Riedel Foundation and non-executive director of QBE Insurance.
“I am honoured to have served on the Board of Santos and am proud of the company’s achievements and growth over that time,” Allen said.
You might like
 |
|
Two Board Members for St Mark’s College, a respected and historic university residential college supporting a diverse community of students since 1925.
The College seeks two accomplished non‑executive directors: a finance professional (CA/CPA or equivalent) with strong governance experience and long‑term financial and asset strategy capability with capability to Chair the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee in future. The second opportunity will suit a highly connected tertiary education leader with deep understanding of student development and academic pathways with a strong understanding of the importance of residential colleges. Experienced non-executive directors with appropriate governance and technical discipline qualifications should consider these opportunities to contribute to a values‑driven community committed to academic excellence, wellbeing and the holistic development of young people. A moderate annual Director fee will be offered. Two pivotal opportunities with Lutheran Homes Group, a highly respected and growing contemporary purpose‑led provider of home and community support, residential care and retirement living services across South Australia and regional Victoria:
|
AADC announces new committee
The Adelaide Advertising and Design Club (AADC) has announced its 2026 committee to advance SA’s advertising, design and creative community.
The committee would assist AADC in strengthening professional development opportunities, celebrating local creative excellence and fostering an inclusive industry.
Leading the committee are co-presidents Sarah Luthaus and Corey Swaffer.
Luthaus is returning as co-president after first being announced in February of last year.
She is an experienced advertising and branding professional with skills in strategy and stakeholder relationship management.
Luthaus is also the founder of integrated ad agency Ten Past Ten, and has served as the managing director since 2017.
Swaffer is the incoming co-president and has more than 25 years of experience in the advertising and design industry.
He has previously spent 15 years at KWP+ Partners as executive creative director and as a senior writer.
He recently served on the AADC Awards Jury, where he was invited to judge the student awards category.
The 2026 committee members are:
Co-President: Sarah Luthaus
Co-President: Corey Swaffer
Secretary: Maike Moritz
Treasurer: Marty Pepper
Acting – Treasurer: Taylor Martin
Chair of Operations: Paul Sobolewski
Chair of Sponsorships: Marcus Butler
Stay informed, daily
Chair of Events: Steve Deeble
Chair of Communications: Rhys McMahon
Co-chair of Education: Luke Cussans
Co-chair of Education: Scott Illingworth
Chair of She Creates: Maddie Tierney
Chair of Awards: Nic Eldridge
Chair of Memberships: Matt Robertson
Australian medical guide appoints non-executive director
Associate Professor Fei Sim has been appointed as a non-executive director on the board of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), where she would provide additional capability to the Adelaide-based medicines reference company.
Sim holds a doctoral degree in pharmacy and is the past national president and chair of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
She is also the discipline lead of pharmacy and an associate professor at Curtin Medical School in Perth.
Sim was also the inaugural chair of the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice Communities of Specialty Interest, where she supported collaboration, innovation and strategic progression of practice areas in pharmacy.
“To be able to contribute to its future is both deeply meaningful and a natural continuation of my commitment to quality medicines information,” she said.
AEDA announces new board appointment
Dr Michelle Perugini has been appointed to the board of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA).
Perugini has more than 20 years’ experience in medical research, artificial intelligence and health technology, and holds a PhD in medicine.
She is co-founder and was CEO of AI medical imaging company Presagen, where she led the development of a world-first Federated AI platform for medical data to improve IVF outcomes.
Perugini is the current CEO of AU Ventures and director of research translation and commercialisation at Adelaide University, where she drives industry engagement and investor partnerships.
Chief executive leaves after 10 years of aged care service
Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) chief executive Carolanne Barkla has stepped down from the role after 10 years of service.
In her role, Barkla collaborated with stakeholders and national and state partners to support the development of a national approach to prevent elder abuse.
Barkla has more than 20 years’ experience as a registered nurse, lawyer and executive across health, aged care, legal and not-for-profit sectors.
She is also the chairperson for end-of-life aged care at ELDAC aged care and is the co-chair of the policy and systemic advocacy advisory group at Older Persons Advocacy Network.
“Her unwavering commitment to the rights, dignity and well-being of older people has strengthened our organisation and amplified the voices of those who need advocacy the most,” ARAS chairperson Anne Burgess said.
