Defence

Gerry Cawson

Director, Head of M&A (Private) | Kain Lawyers

Gerry has spent over 30 years’ working as a mergers and acquisitions expert at top tier law firms in key financial markets such as London, Hong Kong and Sydney.

He has a reputation for being a ‘trusted adviser’ to growing companies that are pursuing mergers and acquisitions, capital raising or capital structuring transactions. He has been consistently recognised by his peers as one of the best Commercial, Private Equity and M&A Lawyers in South Australia, being named in the Best Lawyers publication as ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in SA on numerous occasions and recommended by Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession as a ‘preeminent’ Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer in South Australia.

Gerry’s experience includes leading the legal teams advising:

• Harley-Davidson on its acquisition of the Castalloy business which was its sole global supplier of motorcycle wheels;
• Silk Laser Clinics on all of its corporate activity from its first capital raise through to its $180m sale by scheme of arrangement to Wesfarmers subsidiary Australian Pharmaceutical Industries;
• Adore Beauty on its investment by Quadrant private equity and its management team on Adore Beauty’s IPO;
• Engage Marine’s recapitalisation by PGIM;
• Aurizn Defence on its capital injection by Pemba Capital Partners and subsequent bolt on acquisition of Pacific Aerospace Consulting; and
• Best Doors & Reliance Doors on its business sale to Swiss listed company Dormakaba.

Gerry has strong leadership, governance and relationship management skills and a proven track record of growing and leading profitable teams. He currently leads the Private Markets team at Kain Lawyers, which is one of the top 5 most active M&A advisory teams in the nation and was awarded Transaction Team of the Year at the 2024 Australian Law Awards.

Gerry is an experienced board director and is frequently called upon to provide expert commentary around M&A trends in the mid-market.

Simone Thompson

Chief Financial Officer | Tasmea Limited

Simone Thompson is Chief Financial Officer of Tasmea Limited, where she has steered the Group’s financial strategy through a period of significant transformation and growth. Her leadership spans financial stewardship, investor relations, corporate governance, and the execution of a bold acquisition strategy.

Since joining Tasmea in 2020, Simone has been a key contributor to the Group’s expansion – overseeing 15 business acquisitions, leading a successful Initial Public Offering and transitioning to an ASX listed company.

Simone’s career began in assurance and advisory services at EY and KPMG, where she spent 18 years developing her technical accounting expertise and leading high-performing teams. Her commitment to excellence and mentorship has been a hallmark throughout her career.

Beyond her executive role, Simone contributes to the broader business community as a Non-Executive Director at Equity & Advisory and serves on the Finance Committee of Eldercare. Simone has a keen interest in sport and volunteers her financial expertise to several local sporting organisations, reflecting her dedication to community service.​

Scott Lintern

Chief Financial Officer | Drakes Supermarket

Scott Lintern has served as Chief Financial Officer at Drakes Supermarkets since January 2014. With over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance, Scott has a diverse background and held roles such as Finance and Commercial Ops Director at Accolade Wines, employer board appointments, and finance leadership positions at Banksia Wines and PwC.

Scott is passionate about harnessing data to drive decision-making and solve complex problems.

At Drakes, he has played a key role in major strategic initiatives, including:

• the development of a new distribution centre in Edinburgh
• Overseeing software innovations to support Drakes’ transition from the Foodland group
• Managing key transactions, including the acquisition of store groups and the strategic exit of Metcash’s ownership stake
• Expanding the company’s meat processing facility
• Launching Drakes’ e-commerce platform
• Driving multiple process automation projects
• And, perhaps most importantly, managing JP Drake

A Chartered Accountant for 25 years, Scott graduated with Honours in Commerce from Flinders University in 1994.

Outside of work, Scott enjoys staying active, appreciating good wine, travelling to Europe, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and two children, Max and Izzy.

Jacob Cheek

Chief Financial Officer | McMahon Services

Jacob Cheek is the Chief Financial Officer at McMahon Services, a leading multi-disciplined construction services company committed to its vision of “A Trusted Partner – Together Creating Value.”

A Chartered Accountant, Jacob holds degrees in Commerce and Information Technology from the University of South Australia. He began his career as a Systems Accountant, later taking on roles as a Consultant and Management Accountant in both public and private sectors. From 2011 to 2013, he served as Finance Manager for PowerPerfector, a UK-based green energy company, before returning to Adelaide. Back in Australia, he became Finance Manager at SAGE Automation before joining McMahon Services, where he now leads the Finance and IT teams as CFO of the company’s operational entities.

Jacob is a customer-focused finance professional dedicated to continuous improvement. His experience across organisations of all sizes—public and private—has given him a strong track record in financial systems, compliance, management reporting, and innovation. Passionate about the intersection of finance and technology, he leverages data to drive efficiency, smarter decision-making, and meaningful change.

Bickford’s Group (DRINK SPONSOR – BRONZE)

The Bickford’s Group is an independently owned collection of companies based in Adelaide, South Australia. Our rich history dates back to 1839, when William Bickford moved to Australia and opened a small apothecary on Hindley Street. From humble beginnings we are proud to produce and market the highest quality brands across Liquor and Non-Liquor to over 47 countries worldwide.

Mat Hannan

Founder and Principal Director | Hannan and Partners

Mat is an expert in delivering technical knowledge to high-level executives, transforming complex IT concepts into engaging and thought-provoking discussions. He specialises in guiding executives through the intricacies of technology strategy, helping them define priorities that align with their business goals. In his Technology Strategy Workshops, Mat leverages the 3-Horizons Model to address critical aspects of an organisation’s technology roadmap. He leads executives in evaluating their current technology state, mitigating risks, and optimising core systems for stability and growth.

Through his clear communication and strategic insights, Mat helps executives bridge the gap between business needs and technological capabilities, empowering them to make informed decisions that shape the future of their organisations. His approach fosters alignment, clarity, and actionable outcomes, ensuring that technology becomes a key enabler of long-term success.

In addition to his executive consulting work, Mat is the founder of Hannan and Partners, a globally respected advisory and consulting firm based in Adelaide. Through this firm, he has cultivated a team of elite specialists in cybersecurity, governance, product management, procurement, and project management. Together, they provide agile, high-impact solutions for both public and private sector clients.

Ellie Moss

Managing Director | Focus Group

Ellie is a founding partner of Future Focus, a Sydney-based sustainability consultancy. She brings over 15 years of expertise in marketing, innovation, and purpose-led strategy, working with global organisations, including De’Longhi. As Future Focus’ lead strategist, she specialises in research methodology, insights, and workshop facilitation, crafting sustainability strategies that are both impactful and actionable across entire organisations.

Ellie has played a pivotal role in driving sustainability and climate projects, notably developing climate change personas for the NSW Government to shape more effective engagement. A passionate advocate for climate action and diversity, she understands the power of authentic sustainability—not just as a compliance measure, but as a driver of meaningful business growth. A seasoned keynote speaker, Ellie has delivered TEDx talks and conference keynotes on marketing for good and the commercial advantages of genuine sustainability.

Adrian Chugg

Managing Partner | William Buck

A strong believer that hard work will result in positive outcomes for his clients, Adrian possesses exceptional technical skills, coupled with energy, commitment and flexibility. He always takes the time to ensure his clients have a clear understanding of the issues and opportunities. With a strong commercial focus and a keen eye for detail, Adrian’s expertise has been applied to a broad range of Corporate Finance projects and clients, as well as assisting with many and varied business improvement projects, sale and merger transactions, valuations and banking matters.

Adrian excelled in his CA Program studies with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and received three Certificates of Merit (top 5% in Australia) from the five modules. He was also awarded “Candidate of the Module” in the Financial Reporting and Assurance module. With the responsibility for overseeing the running of a business himself, Adrian understands today’s business challenges and derives a huge amount of satisfaction from putting in hard work to produce successful results for his clients.

Adam Barty

Managing Director | Revium

Adam Barty is Managing Director of Revium, a leading 40-strong digital and AI consultancy, and co-founder of fintech startup HelpPay. He has earned a reputation for strategic insights in digital transformation, working with household brands such as Dulux, NewsCorp, Red Energy, BMW and Technology One. With articles featured in the Australian Financial Review, Mumbrella, and Smart Company, Adam’s forward-thinking perspectives on AI and digital innovation have made him a sought-after advisor. His direct, no-nonsense style resonates with audiences seeking a no-nonsense understanding of emerging technologies.

David Koch

Leading Business and Finance Commentator

David “Kochie” Koch is a leading business and finance commentator, entrepreneur and one of Australia’s most recognised personalities. He co-founded Ausbiz, Australia’s only live-streaming financial markets channel and chairs AFL powerhouse Port Adelaide Football Club. An entrepreneur at heart, Kochie has owned and operated small businesses for 35 years. His family business Pinstripe Media is a leader in business, finance and tech content, running brands like Kochie’s Business Builders, Start Up Daily and Flying Solo.

A pioneer of Australian breakfast television, Kochie built the Sunrise brand, hosting for 20 years and setting a record with over 16,000 hours of live TV. As Port Adelaide’s chairman since 2012, he led the club’s financial turnaround, growing revenue, ensuring profitability and expanding into the AFLW. Beyond business and sport, he is a devoted family man, married to wife Libby for 45 years with four children and eight grandchildren. Named Australian Father of the Year in 2007, he and Libby support Youth Off The Streets and are patrons of the Koch Centre For Youth. He also helped reform Australia’s organ transplant system as a founder of the Organ and Tissue Authority Advisory Board.

Rod Hyslop

CFO | ADRAD

Rod is the CFO for recently listed Adrad Holdings Limited, a manufacturer and distributor of heat exchange and automotive products throughout Australia with operations both domestically and in Thailand. Previously he has been a CFO through a small cap IPO and has worked in the manufacturing industry for 10 years in privately owned food manufacturing and industrial product manufacturing of Original Equipment (OE). Prior to this he held senior finance and accounting roles in multi-national oil and gas as well as junior ASX listed resource exploration companies. Rod gained his Chartered Accountant designation with Arthur Andersen in Canada before moving to Australia 25 years ago.

Federico Tata-Nardini

CFO | Fleet Space Technologies

Federico was appointed Fleet Space as Executive Board member in 2019 and moved to Australia and joined the company in January 2022 as Chief Financial Officer/Strategy and Investment Officer. Federico has more than 16 years’ experience as a CFO working in one of the largest energy companies (Engie SA) gaining a worldwide experience in high-level financing, M & A, and sector transformation in the energy markets.

Federico backed is education by a University Degree in Business Economics, a master’s in international finance, and various Masters in IFRS.

His current role is focused on leading Fleet Space’ strategy in building its financial strength, leading the capital funding and its global investment expansion.

He is currently also board directors of Fleet Space Technologies subsidiaries leading its expansion overseas precisely: Fleet Investment Fund, Fleet Canada, Fleet Chile, Fleet Luxembourg and Fleet INC (USA).

He is also a shareholder and advisor of Alauda Aeronautics (Australian high tech startup which engineers the future of transportation by designing and building high-performance electric flying cars).

ANZ

ANZ’s purpose is to shape a world where people and communities thrive. As a leading financial institution in South Australia, ANZ is committed to making a positive difference by empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve their aspirations. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, ANZ strives to create meaningful impact through its banking and financial services. By fostering economic growth, promoting financial inclusion, and embracing diversity, ANZ aims to build a brighter and more inclusive future for all. With a customer-centric approach and a dedication to excellence, ANZ continues to drive positive change and contribute to the well-being of society.

The Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP

Treasurer of South Australia

Stephen was appointed Treasurer in the Labor Government in March 2022.

Stephen was first elected as the Member for Lee in the South Australian Parliament in 2014.

‍In 2014, he was appointed the Minister for Transport & Infrastructure, and in 2016 added the portfolios of Housing and Urban Development.

‍Prior to entering the Parliament, Stephen led Deloitte’s economics team in Adelaide between 2010-2013 providing economic advice to corporate clients, the non-profit sector and state and federal governments.

‍Stephen is a proud western suburb resident, is married to Antonia and they have three children Benjamin, Isaac and Olivia.

Along with his responsibility as Treasurer, his portfolio responsibilities include Finance.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (CA ANZ)

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) represents more than 136,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.

Karen McWilliams

Sustainability and Business Reform Leader, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand 

Karen McWilliams is the Business Reform Leader in the Advocacy and Professional Standing team at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). She is responsible for shaping and influencing business reform issues of relevance to Chartered Accountants, including insolvency, corporate governance, anti-money laundering, corporations law, climate change and sustainability matters. Karen is also a non-executive director on the UN Global Compact Network Australia Board and was recently appointed to the Australian Government’s Nature Finance Council.

She is a Fellow Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Arts in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Oxford.

Matthew King

Audit & Assurance Director, William Buck

Matthew believes that having an open mind is the key to being a good auditor. ‘Everyone has their own experiences and knowledge of a situation. As an auditor, you need to take into account different perspectives while objectively analysing the information at hand.’

With a combination of Big 4 experience and having worked ‘on the other side of the fence’ in a commercial role at Elders Ltd, Matthew understands the practical pressures his clients face. He seeks to make the audit process as valuable and smooth as possible while achieving a practical and commercial outcome.

Matthew has expertise with ASX listed companies, large proprietary companies, not for profits, co-operatives and trusts. In addition to statutory audits, he helps his clients to develop risk mitigation strategies, reviews their internal controls and operations and also provides financial reporting and corporate governance advice.

Prof. Göran Roos

Internationally renowned innovator and strategist

Dr Göran Roos is an advisor to companies and government agencies on strategic topics relating to the digital and green transformation. He holds positions on both governance boards and advisory boards at academic, government and commercial organisations and academic appointments at universities in Australia, UK and Norway. He is also a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA).

Khalil (Charlie) Shahin AO

Managing Directors, Peregrine Corporation

Prof. Khalil (Charlie) Shahin AO is one of the Managing Directors of Peregrine Corporation, South Australia’s largest privately-owned employer with more than 6500 staff generating more than $3.2 billion in revenue annually.

In April of 2023 it was announced the OTR Group will be acquired by Viva Energy.

Khalil (Charlie) currently serves as a non-executive director of Crescent Wealth, SPC Ltd and is the Chairman of Australian Jordanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also serves on many other charitable foundations and institutions, both as director and advisor.

Dr Olga Muzychenko

Associate Head of Adelaide Business School, The University of Adelaide

Dr Olga Muzychenko (PhD, MSc, BA(Hons)) is an award-winning management educator and researcher with a career spanning continents and industries. She is passionate about leadership development and influencing how individuals experience the world of work. Olga helps leaders grow by integrating their personal development journey with expanding professional skills and competencies. She is the Associate Head of the Adelaide Business School (University of Adelaide). In addition, she delivers “Mindfulness for Leaders” training and is a practicing coach.

Jamie Armfield

Senior Security Manager | Hannan & Partners

Jamie has over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, with a focus on information security and identity management for the past 15 years.  Jamie has extensive experience in the design, assessment and implementation of information security management systems and technology.   He specialises in adapting security to meet the client’s risk profile and in communicating security issues across the business at all levels.

Cristina Paetsch

Director, Hannan & Partners

Cristina has over 17 years of experience in assessing and advising on ICT systems and processes. She helps organisations understand and manage their IT risk, putting risk into industry context and bringing a pragmatic lens to issues identified. Cristina has a passion for discovering how technology can improve our society, our lives and the way we do business. She enjoys bridging the gap between IT and business, helping organisations figure out what is important and what is possible, and then helping them achieve it. Cristina has extensive experience in IT risk and cybersecurity, having conducted assessments for various government departments in South Australia and New Zealand. Cristina has also evaluated cybersecurity in 150+ organisations across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, using frameworks like NIST and ISO27001. She has provided recommendations for risk mitigation and collaborated with Chief Information Security Officers to develop cybersecurity strategies for organisations and has been involved in auditing IT risk areas including database and network security.

HANNAN & PARTNERS

Hannan and Partners is a full-service risk, cyber security advisory and IT consulting firm based in Adelaide. Our team of experienced leaders and knowledge experts across a broad range of industries leverages creative genius, intuitive understanding, and uncompromising logic to deliver extraordinary outcomes. Hannan and Partners works with government, private industry, and not-for-profit organisations to mitigate risk, strategically plan, and streamline processes to optimise success. We work to provide real value and customised solutions for our clients.

A multi-disciplinary approach to management and technology advisory services and one of the most experienced, in-demand teams in the business allows us to deliver the knowledge our clients need to meet challenges and prepare for future opportunities. Our areas of expertise include Cyber Security, ICT Strategy and Technology Advisory, Business Resilience, Emergency Management, Business and ICT Risk Advisory and Project Management and Support.