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 CEO at Babcock
Peter Behrendt has been appointed as the new CEO for defence, aerospace and security company Babcock Australia and New Zealand.
Behrendt has more than 30 years’ experience in defence and security-based industries and was previously chief customer officer and managing director of defence at Serco.
He has also served as vice-president of AI business Dataminr and was group strategy director of BMT.
Behrendt is a Royal Australian Navy veteran, and worked at Saab for more than nine years in a range of roles including as head of ports and terminal division and managing director of Saab technologies.
“His vision and enthusiasm for the company and its growth are exciting, and I look forward to working with him as we drive forward into this new era in Australia and New Zealand,” Babcock International chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine said.
AHWR appoints new president
The Adelaide Hills Wine Region (AHWR) has appointed Mick Sandercock as President for 2026.
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Sandercock is an experienced wine executive and has served as vice-president of AHWR for the past five years and led advocacy, industry development and growth for the region.
He has served in the winemaking industry for more than 15 years and is currently the wine supply manager at Vinarchy winemaking company.
Sandercock has also worked in technical viticulture, winemaking, and grape and wine supply for both Pernod Ricard Winemakers and Accolade Wines.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Board, our members and industry partners to build on the work of the past five years and continue to champion the Adelaide Hills both nationally and internationally,” Sandercock said.
Jones Radiology welcomes CEO
Health industry executive Mark Simpson has been appointed as the new CEO of Jones Radiology.
Simpson has more than 30 years’ experience across the health sector with a clinical background and understanding of healthcare service delivery.
He was previously medical imaging and diagnosis provider I-MED’s general manager of Tasmania and Victoria and held the role of general manager of government relations and external partnerships.
Simpson has also been manager of the Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, held an operational leadership role at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and was a board member at Jones Radiology.
“He was a standout in an impressive field of candidates attracted to the role. In Mark, we have a proven leader and someone truly aligned with our vision and values,” Jones Radiology managing partner Dr Mitchell Raeside said.
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Chief Executive Officer for the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), leading one of Australia’s foremost wine sector research organisations. Guiding strategic direction, industry impact and organisational sustainability, the role will shape AWRI’s next chapter in support of Australia’s wine industry. Strategic Policy for statutory body, Outback Communities Authority – a key leadership role developing strategies for social, economic & environmental well-being of Outback SA communities. Consideration will be given to candidates wishing to work from either city or regional locations but willing to undertake Outback travel. Customer Account Manager SA for MADEC Australia. Adelaide based with frequent travel throughout regional SA, this key role is responsible for building strong customer partnerships, leading frontline operational teams and making a difference to the wellbeing and success of workers across regional Australia. |
New chief joins Junction
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Sally Porter has been appointed as chief operating officer of social services company Junction from December 1.
Porter has more than 15 years’ experience in senior roles and was previously director of partnerships at the South Australian Housing Trust where she led the design and delivery of partnership models to drive housing reform.
She was also general manager of business transformation and quality, communities and justice at the Department of Human Services SA.
Porter also spent three years at Tetra Tech International Development in a variety of roles including as director of partnerships and acquisitions.
“With deep experience across government and corporate sectors, she has a proven track record for building and driving collective visions through innovation as well as inclusion and empathy,” Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said.
Sonder senior board appointment
Sonder has announced the appointment of Nicole Sykes to its board of directors for a three-year term until September 2029.
Sykes has more than 25 years of experience across the government, healthcare and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently CEO of not-for-profit Estara.
Prior to joining Estara, Sykes was CEO of the Australian Medical Association SA branch, where she was responsible for strengthening advocacy and shaping system-wide health reform.
Sykes is also a Statewide Clinical Support Services committee member at SA Health and was previously a non-executive director at Lifetime Support Authority of SA.
“Sonder looks forward to Nicole’s contribution to the Board and to drawing on her experience and leadership as the organisation enters the next chapter of its work through the recently launched Sonder 2030 Strategy,” a Sonder spokesperson said.
Kelsian senior appointment
Kelsian has appointed Graeme Legh as managing director in addition to his ongoing role as group CEO.
Legh is a transport and infrastructure executive with more than 15 years’ experience in a series of senior executive roles.
Prior to being appointed as Kelsian group CEO, Legh was CEO of All Aboard America Holdings and was Kelsian’s group chief development officer.
He has also been general manager of business development for Transit Systems Australia and held senior roles at Macquarie Group.
“Graeme’s depth of experience and knowledge of the business will be valuable to the Board, and I am confident he will make a significant contribution,” Kelsian chairman Fiona Hele said.
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