Business SA | Survey of Business Expectations
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Head of Risk, Assurance & ESG, Kelsian Group
Paul Azarraga is Head of Risk, Assurance & ESG at Kelsian Group Limited, a global transport and tourism operator with operations across Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore and the UK. Paul leads the Group’s enterprise risk management, internal audit and sustainability functions across multiple jurisdictions, working closely with executive leadership teams and Board Committees to strengthen risk culture, resilience and ESG integration.
With over 15 years’ experience, Paul has held senior roles at Flinders Port Holdings, 7 Eleven Australia, REA Group and Pitcher Partners.
Group Head of Financial Reporting, Kelsian Group
Amanda Webb is Group Head of Financial Reporting at Kelsian Group, based in Adelaide. A Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years’ experience, she has held senior finance roles across Big 4, privately owned and ASX‑listed organisations.
Amanda brings deep expertise in financial reporting, accounting policy and complex systems transformations, with industry experience spanning agribusiness, manufacturing, distribution and services. Known for connecting stakeholders, data and systems to solve complex problems, she is a collaborative leader who values strong teams and delivering practical, high‑quality outcomes.
Audit & Assurance Partner, William Buck
Ross has nearly 20 years of audit and financial reporting experience predominantly gained from the Big 4 that spans across several sectors including technology, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and private equity. With an ability to work across complex environments, Ross’s expertise has been sought by multi-national groups across the ASX, and has extended to working closely with a number of entrepreneurial fast-growth entities in the listed and privately held space.
Ross’s experience extends to working under various reporting GAAPs and supporting his clients in addressing the increasingly complex financial reporting requirements including requirements of Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS).
Chief Executive Officer, Detmold Group
Sascha Detmold Cox is the CEO and Director of the Detmold Group of Companies, a 79-year-old South Australian-owned global manufacturer specialising in paper and board packaging, employing more than 2,600 people. She is the eldest of the third generation of the Detmold family working in the business and is passionate in continuing the entrepreneurial spirit of the company providing customers with innovative and leading-edge sustainable packaging solutions. Sascha drives continuous improvement and automation to ensure their employees continue working in rewarding and value-adding roles.
During COVID the Detmold Group responded to the urgent requirement of the South Australian & Federal governments and built a new mask manufacturing facility to supply 150 million locally made masks. Focusing on new product development, Detmold Medical has successfully transitioned from a ‘start up’ to a sustainable business continuing to protect the community.
Sascha is the Chair of the South Australian Business Chamber. The oldest chamber in Australia & only the 3rd female in its 187-year history. The SABC is South Australia’s largest membership-based employer organisation, representing employees and businesses across 19 different sectors.
Sascha has previously served on Not-for-Profit organisations Boards and was recently on the SA Health and Medical Industries Ministerial Advisory Panel and the SA Department of Innovation and Skills Manufacturing Advisory Panel.
Treasurer of South Australia
The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP was elected to the South Australian Parliament at just 26 years of age, making him one of the youngest Members of Parliament in the State’s history.
He is now the longest-serving MP in the South Australian Parliament, having been re-elected by his community for 29 years as the Member for West Torrens.
Tom currently serves as Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Mining, Minister for Public Sector, and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly. Over his distinguished career, he has also held a broad range of senior portfolios, including Correctional Services, Youth and Volunteers, Gambling, Small Business, State Development, and Transport and Infrastructure.
Tom is married to Anthea, and together they have two daughters, Tia and Helena. The family lives in Torrensville.
Outside of politics, Tom is a passionate supporter of the Liverpool FC.
Business Consultant
Bruce is a former partner of Ferrier Hodgson and Ernst and Young, involved in around 34 years of corporate restructuring and insolvency. He is currently Chair of AIG Australia Ltd and a former long serving chair of ASC (Australian Submarine Corporation) and former Chair of Aventus Holdings Ltd. He is a board member of Lovisa Holdings Ltd (LOV. AX) and a former director of Crown Resorts Ltd, Bank of Queensland Ltd, Genesee and Wyoming Inc (NYSE) and SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd. He is a former Chair of the South Australian Economic Development Board and a former member of the Executive Committee of Cabinet. He has been involved in numerous Federal and State Government reviews, committees and restructurings.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Stratco Group
Ben commenced employment with Edwards Marshall, Chartered Accountants in 1990. He was admitted to the partnership in 2002 and in May 2008 he became the Managing Partner of Edwards Marshall, a role that he held until April 2013.
During his tenure at Edwards Marshall Ben advised medium to large size businesses and professional clients in the provision of taxation, accounting and business services. During this time he has acted as a director/board adviser to a number of clients and has held directorships with a number of private and public companies.
Ben has also had extensive experience in the provision of litigation and forensic accounting services having been involved in the investigation of a number of significant public company collapses in Australia and overseas. He is also a well-respected presenter on the topic of understanding and interpreting financial statements having facilitated the finance modules of the highly regarded Australian Institute of Company Directors Course for over 7 years.
In April 2013 Ben commenced the role of Group Chief Executive Officer of the Stratco Group, a large Australian privately owned international manufacturing and retail corporation.
Transformative speaker and leadership coach
Dr Gemma Munro is an award-winning transformative speaker and leadership coach, with a PhD in performance psychology and a knack of sparking rapid and easeful change. For over two decades, Gemma has worked with leaders and changemakers across the globe to help them reconnect with their purpose, spark their clarity, lift their courage and lead with energy.
Gemma has ignited change in workplaces across the planet, and inspired over 77,000 people worldwide. She has spoken to global and national audiences at Google, Amazon, Qantas, Vodafone, PayPal and the NHS in London, and her keynote at Google headquarters in Silicon Valley was live-streamed to every Google office on the planet.
A two-time Telstra Businesswoman of the Year finalist, Gemma has been called ‘a human alarm-clock’, ‘a lightning bolt of love’ and ‘a cross between a switched-on psychologist and a fairy godmother.’
Gemma is the co-host of The Oyster Sisters podcast and was the Founder of Inkling, known for its work across Australia, Asia and the UK in rapidly lifting the percentage of women at leadership level. Before that she was a tremendously serious management consultant and a recovering academic, having completed her PhD at a relatively young and impressionable age.
Chief Economist, William Buck
Besa’s career spans more than two decades in the banking and finance sector. It includes her historic appointment at St.George Bank in 2008 as the first female Chief Economist of an Australian bank. Following Westpac’s merger, she was appointed Chief Economist across several brands in the Westpac Group. She’s earned a reputation as a respected thought leader and trusted advisor to businesses of all sizes; from small enterprises to national institutions.
Today, Besa brings that leadership and insight to William Buck, delivering context-rich analysis that helps clients make smarter, more confident decisions. She also serves as Chair of the not-for-profit organisation Australian Business Economists, where she has championed diversity, modernised operations, and expanded its reach in informing, connecting and influencing economic and policy debate in Australia.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Managing Director, Revium
Adam Barty is a dynamic leader at the forefront of AI-driven digital transformation. As CEO of Revium, a 40-strong consultancy specialising in digital and AI solutions, he has earned a reputation over the past 25 years for his strategic insights working with household brands such as Dulux, NewsCorp, Red Energy, GWM and Technology One.
Known for his clear, pragmatic approach, Adam’s industry perspectives have been featured in prominent publications such as the Australian Financial Review, Mumbrella, and Smart Company. Drawing on firsthand experience, his compelling keynote addresses demystify emerging technologies by illustrating their real-world relevance, practical applications, and transformative power – all delivered in a way that is easy to digest
An influential voice in the AI space, Adam delivers direct, no-nonsense guidance on AI, digital, and innovation. Audiences leave his sessions armed with a clearer understanding of emerging technologies – giving them insights that will enable them to better recognise and exploit opportunities in our rapidly evolving digital economy.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Audit & Assurance Partner, William Buck
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.
Underlying Matthew’s experience is uncompromising integrity and a commitment to the profession. He is actively involved with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, having been a CA Program Focus Session Leader and a current member of their SA/NT Regional Council.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
CEO and Managing Director | REDARC
Anthony Kittel is the CEO and Managing Director of REDARC Electronics, a leading Australian manufacturer of power electronics products for various markets, including automotive, defence, mining, marine, and space. He has been leading REDARC for over 25 years, during which he has transformed the company from a small local business to a globally recognized brand that delivers innovative and high-quality solutions.
With credentials such as OPM43 from Harvard Business School, MBA from the University of Adelaide, and Fellowship from the Governors Leadership Foundation, Anthony has a strong background in research and development, new business development, strategy, and leadership. He has guided REDARC to win multiple awards and accolades, such as the 2014 Telstra Australian Business of the Year, the 2017 Westpac Businesses of Tomorrow, and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Central Region Technology category. He is also a founder, director, or board member of several organizations that support the advancement of electronics, engineering, and innovation in Australia and beyond. Anthony is passionate about creating value for his customers, partners, and stakeholders, and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within REDARC and the wider community.
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Jessica Adamson is a presenter, facilitator and one of South Australia’s most sought after MCs.
Jess forged a reputation as one of the state’s finest journalists after 24 years in television news.
Jess is a board member of the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and the Adelaide Crows Foundation.
She’s also a passionate ambassador for CanTeen – the Australian organisation for young people living with cancer, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Jess is married to Dave and they have twin boys, Angus and Louis, and a daughter, Sophie.
