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.
Respected barrister appointed as ICAC inspector
Prominent barrister Sam Abbott KC has been appointed as inspector, acting as South Australia’s integrity watchdog.
Sam Abbott KC
The position of inspector was created in 2022 and is tasked with overseeing complaints about South Australia’s integrity agencies – ICAC, the Office of Public Integrity and the Ombudsman.
Abbott takes over from New South Wales barrister Philip Strickland KC, who was appointed as SA’s first inspector.
Abbott signed the bar roll in 2004, progressing to senior counsel in 2014 and queen’s counsel in 2019.
The state government said his career has spanned criminal, civil, commercial military and appellate law.
As well as his role as a barrister, Abbott has also spent over 27 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, with the current rank of Wing Commander.
Abbott’s three-year appointment as inspector of ICAC began last Thursday.
Experienced executive joins CMAX Clinical Research
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Dr Shu Lam has joined CMAX Clinical Research as its chief business development officer, succeeding Zoe Harrison who had been in the role for over 13 years.
CMAX said that Dr Shu Lam has extensive experience in the clinical research sector and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Dr Shu Lam
“With a background in strategic planning, leading business development teams and delivering outstanding results, she will play a vital role in guiding business development initiatives, both locally and internationally,” said CMAX CEO Jane Kelly.
For the past nine months, Dr Shu Lam has been director of business development for the Asia-Pacific region at ProPharma and before this, she was head of business development at Linear Clinical Research Ltd.
CMAX, established in 1993 and headquartered on North Terrace, said it “is one of Australia’s largest and most experienced clinical trial centres”.
Hender Consulting is recruiting two positions for SAAFE CRC – Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments. SAAFE is committed to driving collaborative research to support the resilience of Australia’s food and agribusiness industries.
The newly created role of Research Program Manager will drive the execution of SAAFE CRC’s research program. PhD/HDR qualified candidates with research management experience from higher education or industry will be considered. Expertise in plant or animal industries, agribusiness, aquaculture or bioscience disciplines will be highly regarded.
The role of Education and Training Lead manages the SAAFE Education and Training Program, including the SAAFE Scholars Program and the development of industry practitioner-focussed educational opportunities.
Clean energy company bolsters leadership team
John O’Donnell has started his role as general manager of operations at 1414 Degrees Ltd.
John O’Donnell
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O’Donnell has over 35 years of leadership experience across the energy, oil and gas, infrastructure and defence sectors.
Before joining 1414 Degrees, O’Donnell was general manager of PCM Group Pty Ltd and before this, he was general manager of Asia-Pacific at Altrad Services.
The clean energy company said O’Donnell’s appointment will “enhance 1414 Degrees’ operational efficiency and resource allocation as the Company commercialises its thermal and hydrogen solutions for industrial decarbonisation”.
“John has a proven track record of delivering results in complex, highly regulated environments, including projects in naval nuclear submarines and clean energy, making him a valuable addition as 1414 Degrees commercialises its industrial decarbonisation technologies,” 1414 Degrees said.
1414 Degrees is headquartered at the Tonsley Innovation District and said its mission “is to deliver decarbonised high-temperature heat for industry”.
Rural council elects deputy mayor
Adelaide Plains Council has appointed councillor David Paton as deputy mayor, taking the reins from councillor Marcus Strudwicke.
David Paton
Paton was elected to the role at an ordinary council meeting on October 28, with his tenure starting on November 29, 2024 and lasting exactly a year.
Among his operational duties, Paton will chair council meetings, attend civic functions and ceremonies and be a spokesperson for the Council.
“The Deputy Mayor provides crucial support to the Mayor, and Council, through strengthening leadership and stability and ensuring the continued operation of Council in the event the Mayor is absent,” the Adelaide Plains Council said.
The Adelaide Plains Council covers an area of 926 square kilometres along Gulf St Vincent, taking in the towns of Two Wells, Lewiston and Mallala.
Senior lawyer returns to DMAW Lawyers
Senior lawyer Matthew Fisher has returned to DMAW Lawyers as a principal in its transaction team, following an eight-year stint in in-house counsel roles.
Fisher has 15 years of legal experience and will assist clients in overcoming business risks and challenges in his new role.
Matthew Fisher
Fisher joined DMAW Lawyers in 2013 as an associate before progressing to a senior associate.
Following this, he held various in-house advisory roles, including as commercial and legal counsel at Cobham Aviation, legal counsel at Adbri Limited and most recently, as head of legal at Adelaide Airport.
“[Fisher] will bolster the firm’s commercial portfolio with a focus on business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, property development, infrastructure and major projects, and corporate advisory,” said DMAW Lawyers.
DMAW Lawyers is based on Flinders Street and is a commercial law firm specialising in the areas of corporate, transactions and disputes.
Correction: This article has been updated to clarify that Sam Abbott KC still holds the rank of Wing Commander in the Royal Australian Air Force.
