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.
Taking the reins at Racing South Australia
The board of Racing South Australia has announced the appointment of Nick Bawden as CEO, taking over from Vaughn Lynch, who has been in the role for the past two years.
Racing Australia said Bawden was chosen after an extensive search with numerous applicants.
Nick Bawden
Bawden has been at Racing South Australia for the last 15 years, including the past almost three years as general manager of operations, and over 12 as industry operations and welfare manager.
Before this, he was race day hospitality executive at Moone Vallery Racing Club and also spent seven years as an associate at B Racing Management.
“We are delighted that Nick has accepted this role. He has been an integral part of our management team, driving our business forward in alignment with our strategic plan,” said Racing South Australia chair Rob Rorrison.
Bawden will begin his tenure as CEO on February 1.
Australian Outdoor Living CEO returns
Chris Taylor has returned as CEO of Australian Outdoor Living, after previously leading the company from 2014 to 2019.
Chris Taylor
Taylor replaces Steve Osborne, who stepped down after five and a half years in the role.
For the past five years, Taylor has been general manager of Australian Outdoor Living’s Queensland operation.
Before joining the company, he spent 10 years as general manager of Carpet Call & Solomon’s Flooring.
“Chris brings to this role not only proven leadership and intimate knowledge of the business but also valuable insights gained from his hands-on experience in turning around our Queensland operations as its General Manager in recent years,” said Australian Outdoor Living’s founder and owner Colin Kuchel.
In addition, Scott Gregory has been appointed to the newly created role of chief operating officer.
Gregory has been the national project manager at Australian Outdoor Living for the past six and a half years and before this, he was also general manager for six and a half years.
Law Society’s 2025 president revealed
Marissa Mackie will become the Law Society of South Australia’s 2025 president, making her the 80th person to hold the distinguished position.
Marissa Mackie
In her role, Mackie will advance the Law Society’s current objectives of preparing the legal profession for the new anti-money laundering regime, navigating legal and ethical dilemmas of AI, lobbying for significant investment in the “chronically underfunded” assistance sector and reckoning with the review into harassment in the legal profession.
Mackie has been a member of the Law Society since 2008 and previously served as vice president.
She is currently a principal solicitor and counsel in the commercial and tax team at Norman Waterhouse, as well as a sessional member at the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Mackie also teaches banking and finance law and corporate practice in the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, which is run in partnership between the University of Adelaide and the Law Society.
Additionally, Mackie is the immediate past president of the Women Lawyers Association of South Australia.
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| Chief Executive Officer for MADEC Australia, a successful community-owned not-for-profit charitable organisation based in Mildura.
A newly created and dedicated Property Manager position for Australian Naval Infrastructure, to take carriage of the landlord function for its extensive and growing critical portfolio. Assistant Development Manager (with a focus on Oakden Rise and William Lakes projects) for Villawood Properties, Australia’s leading residential land developer. An inaugural Chair to work closely with the visionary founders to guide not-for-profit entity Sophie’s Legacy for an impactful future driving advocacy and support to improve mental health for the veterinarian profession. A skilled, service-focused Administrative Assistant to join our friendly, cohesive and successful team in a diverse role supporting our executive consultants at Hender Consulting. |
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Former Adelaide Crows premiership captain joins Magain Real Estate
Mark Bickley has joined Magain Real Estate as its general manager.
Mark Bickley
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Bickley began playing for the Crows in 1991 and was captain from 1997 until 2000, leading the team to two premierships in 1997 and 1998.
Following his retirement from the AFL in 2003, Bickley joined Channel 9 as a sports reporter and was a long-term panellist on its Sunday Footy Show.
In 2009, he became an assistant coach at the Crows before a short stint as senior coach in 2011.
In 2014, Bickley began co-hosting 5AA’s weekend radio before stepping aside from the role in 2021.
Most recently, he has been a football coach at Immanuel College, a radio host at SEN SA and club engagement officer at the Crows.
“Mark’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for Magain Real Estate,” said Magain CEO and owner Mike Dobbin.
“His leadership experience, passion for excellence, and deep connection to South Australia align perfectly with our values and vision for the future.”
Magain Real Estate was established in South Australia in 1975 and currently employs 110 staff across 14 locations.
Experienced mining executive joins Andromeda Metals
Andromeda Metals Limited has appointed Jean-Dominique Sorel to its board.
Current non-executive director Austen Perrin will step down from the board “to ensure an orderly transition and to keep the size of the Board appropriate to the size and position of the Company”.
Sorel has more than 45 years of experience in senior executive roles, having led Luxembourgish mining company Traxys as its chief operating officer for more than 16 years.
Amodrena said that while at Traxys, Sorel developed substantial base metals and other industrial mineral activities for the company.
He has also held an executive position at Metaleurop S.A (steel alloy), Usinor Group (now ArcelorMittal) and AMAX.
Sorel is currently on the board of Traxys Europe S.A. and was previously a director of Traxys UK LTD, as well as the Société Luxembourgeoise de Commerce International S.A.
“The Company warmly welcomes Jean-Dominique to the Board. His extensive experience across global industrial minerals markets will be an invaluable addition to the Board,” Andromeda’s executive chair Sue-Ann Higgins said.
“This appointment is yet another sign of the growing strategic partnership between Traxys and Andromeda, as we continue advancing the Great White Project towards a final investment decision.”
Andromeda Metals is based in South Australia with its current projects focused on mining hallosyte-kaolin and kaolin on the Eyre Peninsula, as well as developing copper and gold prospects across Australia.
New direction at e-commerce agency
E-commerce agency Aligent has appointed Ben Raw as its chief operating officer.
Ben Raw
Aligent said Raw brings 15 years of executive leadership and commercial expertise to the business.
In addition to his new role, Raw will remain on the board of Lutheran Disability Services Inc, where he is chair of its Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
Before joining Aligent, Raw was a general manager at the University of South Australia, where he was a member of the Justice & Society Academic Executive Team and led the business services team.
He has also held executive roles at Emmaus Christian College, SA Water, Faulding Healthcare and KPMG.
“I’m excited to join Aligent at a time when it is experiencing growth, and I can make a transformative impact on the business operations in support of a sustainable future for both our staff and clients,” said Raw.
Aligent was founded 15 years ago in Adelaide and currently has a team of more than 100 employees providing e-commerce solutions.
SA travel group bolsters board with industry heavyweights
Michael Issenberg
South Australian-based tourism group Journey Beyond has announced that Michael Issenberg, Giselle Collins and Andrew McEvoy will join its board.
Issenberg is currently on the boards of TFE Hotels and Star Entertainment Group.
He was previously chair of Tourism Australia and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific.
Collins is currently chair of Hotel Property Investments and was previously on the board of BIG4 Holiday Parks of Australia, where she was chair of its audit and business review committees.
Giselle Collins
She has also been chair of the Travelodge Hotels board, a senior manager at KPMG in Switzerland and general manager of treasury, property and holiday parks at NRMA Motoring & Services.
McEvoy has 25 years of experience in executive and non-executive roles in the tourism, digital marketing and e-commerce sectors, including as former managing director/CEO of Tourism Australia, former CEO of the South Australian Tourism Commission and former chair of SeaLink Travel Group.
He is currently chair of Luxury Escapes and Camplify.
Andrew McEvoy
“These three leaders will bring considerable business, travel and hospitality industry acumen and outstanding professional and community credentials to Journey Beyond,” said Journey Beyond’s CEO and managing director Chris Tallent.
Journey Beyond is an experiential tourism group founded in 2016, which operates The Ghan, Indian Pacific, The Overland, Outback Spirit Tours and the Melbourne Skydeck, among other iconic brands.
A new look for CCK lawyers
Ben Wilson has been promoted to managing partner of the commercial law firm CCK Lawyers, taking over from Will Marryat, who held the role for more than 10 years.
Ben Wilson
Wilson has been at CCK Lawyers for the past 22 years, including the last sixteen and a half as a partner of its transactions and tax group.
In addition, CCK Lawyers said that existing partners Hamish Gillis, Caitlin Ashworth and James Foster have taken up a significant equity stake in the firm.
As a result, Gillis is set to lead the disputes team, Ashworth the transaction’s team, while founding partner James Cudmore will take charge of legal strategy.
Vintage Energy’s CFO retires
Simon Gray
Simon Gray has retired as chief financial officer of Vintage Energy Ltd.
Gray will stay on at Vintage Energy as its company secretary and will also provide financial management advice on a consultancy basis.
Gray has more than 35 years of experience as a chartered accountant and has been a partner at Grant Thornton for 20 years, including being responsible for its mining and energy group.
“Simon has provided invaluable advice and tremendous support to Vintage since its inception, both as a co-founder and as CFO and Company Secretary. We are delighted he will continue to provide advice and remain,’ said Vintage Energy chair Reg Nelson.
City of Holdfast Bay councillor begins new role
Urban Development Institute of South Australia communications and marketing manager Allison Kane has stepped aside from her role at the industry body.
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Allison Kane
Kane will today begin a role as manager of strategic communications and advocacy at the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, where she will also sit on its executive leadership committee.
Kane has previously been a freelance strategic communications consultant working with clients in the areas of development, local government aged care and not-for-profits.
Kane is also a first-term elected member of the City of Holdfast Bay, representing the Glenelg ward.
Senior producer joins Mix102.3 team
Mix102.3 has appointed Isabella Neale as a senior producer, joining the local radio station from Triple M’s Sydney studio, where she was a producer for Mick & MG in the Morning.
Isabella Neale
Before this, Neale was a content assistant at 2DayFM and Triple M in Sydney.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Isabella to the Mix102.3 team. Her vibrant energy, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm for connecting with Adelaide and its community make her a fantastic addition to the station,” said Mix 102.3’s content director Stephen Werner.
Mix102.3 was second place in the most recent radio ratings.
Maggie Beer Holdings gains experienced corporate advisor
Mark Lindh has begun his tenure on the board of Maggie Beer Holdings Limited, bringing his corporate advisory experience to the company.
Mark Lindh
Lindh is the founder and principal of investment house AE Advisors, which is currently engaged by Maggie Beer Holdings to assist with the value realisation of Paris Creek Farms.
He is also currently a board member of ASX-listed companies Aerometrex Limited, Bass Oil Ltd and Whitebark Energy Limited, also being chair of the latter.
Maggie Beer Holdings said that Lindh has significant experience in advising listed companies in the technology, energy, resources, infrastructure and utilities sectors in areas ranging from capital raisings to mergers, acquisitions and investor relations.
“Having worked with Mark in his role as an advisor of Paris Creek Farms, it is evident that his experience in corporate strategy and finance and risk complements and strengthens the Board’s current expertise,” said Maggie Beer Holdings chair Susan Thomas.
Piper Alderman’s internal promotions take effect
National law firm Piper Alderman has announced 12 promotions to coincide with the new year, including four at its Adelaide office.
Timothy Ward
Timothy Ward has been promoted to special counsel in its dispute resolution and litigation division, while Laura Coppola, Lucy Mitchell and Dana Zahr have been elevated to associates.
Ward joined Piper Alderman 12 years ago as an associate before being promoted to senior associate in July 2017.
Piper Alderman said Ward has extensive experience in personal injury law and specialises in advising interstate compulsory third-party insurers on motor vehicle accident claims from South Australia.
Laura Coppola
He also has expertise in health practitioners regulation matters, public liability and damages claims, and commercial litigation.
Coppola joined Piper Alderman as a law graduate in September 2022 before being promoted to a lawyer in January 2023.
She has also held roles at Raytheon Australia and the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance.
Mitchell joined Piper Alderman as a lawyer in July 2024.
Before this, she was a lawyer at Australian Unity, where she worked for eight years.
Lucy Mitchell
Zahr joined Piper Alderman in March 2021 as a law clerk, moving her way up to a law graduate and then associate before her most recent promotion.
Zahr was previously a legal intern to Justice McDonald at the Supreme Court of South Australia and a student legal advisor at the University of Adelaide Legal Clinics, as well as holding roles at DMAW Lawyers and Christie & Associates.
Dana Zahr
“These promotions reflect Piper Alderman’s ongoing commitment to recognising and advancing the expertise of our people. We look forward to seeing the continued success of our promoted colleagues in the year ahead,” said Piper Alderman managing partner Tony Britten-Jones.
Formed in 1988 as a merger between Adelaide law firms Aldermans and Piper Blackwell, Piper Alderman is a commercial law firm with a history dating back to the 1840s in South Australia.
Rising the ranks at Barry Nilsson
National law firm Barry Nilsson has announced 15 internal staff promotions across Australia, including Sophie Hilditch and Ed Mitchell in Adelaide.
Sophie Hilditch
Hilditch has been promoted to an associate with the law firm’s insurance practice, while Mitchell has risen to special counsel.
Hilditch began her legal career as a law clerk at WHF Legal in 2015.
She joined Barry Nilsson as a law clerk in 2017 working her way up to solicitor before her most recent promotion.
Mitchell joined Barry Nilsson in August 2022 as a senior associate, having previously been an associate at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers in Melbourne.
Ed Mitchell
Throughout his career, Nilsson has also been a solicitor and associate at Wallmans Lawyers in Adelaide, an associate to Justice Kelly in the Supreme Court of South Australia and a law clerk at Piper Alderman.
“These promotions, and the 27 promotions in July last year, align with our 2025 strategic goals to develop and nurture our people and their career progression and highlight the rewarding career paths on offer at Barry Nilsson,” said Peter Murdoch, who is Barry Nilsson’s chair and insurance and health principal.
Movements at RSM Australia
Professional services firm RSM Australia has announced six new partners and 12 new directors across Australia, including Rebecca Barnes and Christian Van Niekerk in Adelaide.
Rebecca Barnes
Barnes has been promoted to a director of R&D Tax & Government and Van Niekerk a director of business advisory.
Barnes has been national grants director at RSM Australia for more than two years.
Before this, she spent eight and a half years at KPMG Australia, including most recently as an associate director.
From 2005 until 2008, Barnes was also a lecturer and tutor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNSW.
Christian Van Niekerk
Van Niekerk joined RSM Australia three years ago as a senior manager and before this, he spent almost 19 years as a director at Grant Thornton Australia.
“Supporting the career development of our internal staff remains a key priority for the firm, and its pleasing to see a number of current employees rewarded and recognised within the business,” said RSM Australia’s chief executive partner Jamie O’Rourke.
Jumping on board at Capital Prudential
Carolyn Mitchell
Asset manager Capital Prudential has announced changes to its board, including the addition of Carolyn Mitchell as a non-executive director.
Mitchell has been with commercial law firm Cowell Clarke for the past 34 years, including the past 15 and a half as a consultant.
She is on various boards and is a business coach and mentor a C Mitchell Consulting.
Mitchell was previously a part-time acting executive director of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Research Institute and chair of The Executive Connection.
