2024 Taste of Australia Dinner and Leaders' Summit

The Hon Don Punch MLA

WA Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering

The Hon. Don Punch MLA is the Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; and Volunteering.

He has been a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly since 2017, representing the seat of Bunbury.

Don migrated to Australia from Manchester in 1971, attending high school in Manjimup and Collie.

Prior to entering politics, Don studied psychology and social work at the University of Western Australia, and later completed an MBA at Edith Cowan University. He has worked throughout regional Western Australia as a social worker and as a Senior Executive in the public sector.

In 1998, Don became CEO of the South West Development and assumed responsibility for many aspects of the South West region’s social and economic development. Key projects included the renewal of the Manjimup town centre with an emphasis on food based tourism, the renewal of the Bunbury water front and the redevelopment of Busselton airport. He continued in this role until resigning to contest the seat of Bunbury for WA Labor in 2016.

After being elected in 2017, Don was appointed to the WA Methamphetamine Task Force and the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee.

Upon re-election in 2021 he was appointed to the second McGowan Ministry.

His passion for blending social and economic development and commitment to creative design and emerging technologies characterised his work in the south west, and will continue to guide his Ministerial agenda.

Michael Chaney AO

Chair Wesfarmers

Michael Chaney graduated with Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Western Australia in 1972 and 1980 respectively.  He completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1992 and has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Western Australia.

After obtaining his Science degree, Mr Chaney worked for eight years as a petroleum geologist in Australia and the USA.  He joined the Australian Industry Development Corporation in 1980 as a corporate finance executive and became Manager for Western Australia in 1981.  He joined Wesfarmers in 1983 as Company Secretary and Administration Manager, became Finance Director in 1984 and was appointed Managing Director in July 1992. He retired from that position in July 2005 and returned as Chairman in 2015.

In addition to his role at Wesfarmers, Mr Chaney is Chairman of Northern Star Resources Limited. He is also a director of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition Ltd.  He is a former director of BHP and Centre for Independent Studies and a former Chairman of NAB, Woodside Petroleum and the National School Resourcing Board and of a number of not-for-profit organisations; and a former Chancellor of The University of Western Australia.

Mr Chaney was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2004 for services to business and the community.

The Hon Mark McGowan AC

30th Premier of Western Australia 2017-2023

Mark McGowan AC is the former Premier and Treasurer of Western Australia. Mr McGowan delivered seven state budgets, paid down debt and restored WA to a AAA credit rating. His strong financial and economic management resulted in WA having the strongest economy in Australia.

His Government’s COVID-19 response saw WA achieve the best health and economic outcomes in the world.

As Premier he was instrumental in a range of economic and social reforms that restored WA to be the leading state in Australia.

His Government reforms include modernising to WA’s planning, strata, on-demand transport, and mining legislation. His Government built important transport, port, and health infrastructure as part of a record infrastructure program. It also engaged in a program of progressive social reforms including voluntary assisted dying laws, mental health reforms, and reforms to the criminal justice system.

As Minister in the 2000’s, he delivered reforms such as bringing the syllabus and traditional marking to schools, approving the Gorgon project, as well as delivering WA’s small bar reforms.

Prior to public life, Mr McGowan served as a Lieutenant at HMAS STIRLING. He was awarded a Governor General’s Commendation for Brave Conduct for actions he took in 1995 rescuing an unconscious driver from a burning car.

Mark Wiessing

CEO Rabobank Australia

Mr Wiessing is Chief Executive Officer of Rabobank Australia Limited and also sits on the Board. Mr Wiessing is a member of Rabobank’s global Management Team for Wholesale and Rural and is responsible for the Rabobank Australia and New Zealand Region in his capacity of Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Wiessing has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial sector, including postings in South America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. He joined Rabobank in 2006 and for the past eight years was the Regional Manager South America and Chief Executive Officer Brazil. Prior to Rabobank Mr Wiessing held roles with other leading financial institutions including Standard Bank of South Africa, Citibank and ING.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Nyenrode Business University.

Justin Langer AM

Former Australian Cricket Coach and cricketer

Until the announcement of his retirement from test cricket in 2007 Justin was one of Australia’s great top-order batsmen, playing 105 tests and scoring 7,696 runs including 23 test centuries. He is Australian cricket’s highest first class run scorer, surpassing Sir Don Bradman. Few have worn the baggy green with greater pride.

After retiring from his playing career Justin moved into the coaching arena firstly as Batting-Mentoring Coach of the Australian test cricket team and later as Assistant Coach.

In 2012 Justin was appointed Coach of Western Australian cricket (Perth Scorchers and Western Warriors). In 2018, Justin became Coach of the Australian cricket team. After four years Justin resigned to spend more time with his family and friends.

Justin was entered in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and was awarded Wisden’s Coach of the Year.

After a few years away from coaching, Justin was appointed coach of the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League and still holds that position today.

Justin is a much loved writer for the West Australian newspaper and has also joined the Seven Network’s highly acclaimed broadcast team across the Australian summer of cricket.

Justin is patron of Solaris Care, Children’s Leukemia & Cancer Research Foundation, Kyle Andrews Foundation and an ambassador for the Fathering Project, Ear Science Institute Australia, the Bravery Trust and Ovarian Cancer Australia. He was named as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to Australian cricket in the 2008 Queens Birthday Honors List. Justin is on the board of Mineral Resources and the West Coast Eagles Football Club and a member of the MCC World Cricket Committee. He has written six books and is in the process of writing his next book.

Hon Patrick Gorman MP

Member for Perth, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General

Besa Deda

Chief Economist, ABE Chair and Market Strategist 

Besa is the Chief Economist of Westpac’s Business Bank. She is also the Chief Economist of St.George Bank, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA and BT, which are other businesses within the Westpac Group. Besa has been with the group since 2009 and is a key spokesperson on the economy and financial markets. She manages a team of economists, regularly presents to clients and appears in the media. Besa is also Chair of the Australian Business Economists organisation and a member of ANU’s Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis RBA Shadow Board. Besa was appointed the Chief Economist of St.George Bank in 2008, a role which saw her become the first female Chief Economist of a bank in Australia. Prior to this, she worked at the CBA and Colonial. She has previously lectured for the Kaplan Business School and written a regular property column for the Weekend Australian.

David Speers

ABC Insiders

David Speers is the ABC’s National Political Lead and host of Insiders on Sunday mornings. He regularly interviews the nation’s political leaders, decision makers and leading analysts.

Over more than two decades covering federal politics, David has won a number of awards for his interviewing and journalism, including Walkley Awards and a Logie.

David has hosted Election Leaders’ Debates since John Howard v Kevin Rudd in 2007, anchored election night broadcasts and live coverage of every major political moment.

David is based in Canberra and is a past President of the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Michael Chaney AO

Chair Wesfarmers

Michael Chaney graduated with Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Western Australia in 1972 and 1980 respectively.  He completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1992 and has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Western Australia.

After obtaining his Science degree, Mr Chaney worked for eight years as a petroleum geologist in Australia and the USA.  He joined the Australian Industry Development Corporation in 1980 as a corporate finance executive and became Manager for Western Australia in 1981.  He joined Wesfarmers in 1983 as Company Secretary and Administration Manager, became Finance Director in 1984 and was appointed Managing Director in July 1992. He retired from that position in July 2005 and returned as Chairman in 2015.

In addition to his role at Wesfarmers, Mr Chaney is Chairman of Northern Star Resources Limited. He is also a director of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition Ltd.  He is a former director of BHP and Centre for Independent Studies and a former Chairman of NAB, Woodside Petroleum and the National School Resourcing Board and of a number of not-for-profit organisations; and a former Chancellor of The University of Western Australia.

Mr Chaney was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2004 for services to business and the community.

The Hon Mark McGowan AC

30th Premier of Western Australia 2017-2023

Mark McGowan AC is the former Premier and Treasurer of Western Australia. Mr McGowan delivered seven state budgets, paid down debt and restored WA to a AAA credit rating. His strong financial and economic management resulted in WA having the strongest economy in Australia.

His Government’s COVID-19 response saw WA achieve the best health and economic outcomes in the world.

As Premier he was instrumental in a range of economic and social reforms that restored WA to be the leading state in Australia.

His Government reforms include modernising to WA’s planning, strata, on-demand transport, and mining legislation. His Government built important transport, port, and health infrastructure as part of a record infrastructure program. It also engaged in a program of progressive social reforms including voluntary assisted dying laws, mental health reforms, and reforms to the criminal justice system.

As Minister in the 2000’s, he delivered reforms such as bringing the syllabus and traditional marking to schools, approving the Gorgon project, as well as delivering WA’s small bar reforms.

Prior to public life, Mr McGowan served as a Lieutenant at HMAS STIRLING. He was awarded a Governor General’s Commendation for Brave Conduct for actions he took in 1995 rescuing an unconscious driver from a burning car.

Mark Wiessing

CEO Rabobank Australia

Mr Wiessing is Chief Executive Officer of Rabobank Australia Limited and also sits on the Board. Mr Wiessing is a member of Rabobank’s global Management Team for Wholesale and Rural and is responsible for the Rabobank Australia and New Zealand Region in his capacity of Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Wiessing has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial sector, including postings in South America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. He joined Rabobank in 2006 and for the past eight years was the Regional Manager South America and Chief Executive Officer Brazil. Prior to Rabobank Mr Wiessing held roles with other leading financial institutions including Standard Bank of South Africa, Citibank and ING.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Nyenrode Business University.

Besa Deda

Chief Economist, ABE Chair and Market Strategist 

Besa is the Chief Economist of Westpac’s Business Bank. She is also the Chief Economist of St.George Bank, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA and BT, which are other businesses within the Westpac Group. Besa has been with the group since 2009 and is a key spokesperson on the economy and financial markets. She manages a team of economists, regularly presents to clients and appears in the media. Besa is also Chair of the Australian Business Economists organisation and a member of ANU’s Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis RBA Shadow Board. Besa was appointed the Chief Economist of St.George Bank in 2008, a role which saw her become the first female Chief Economist of a bank in Australia. Prior to this, she worked at the CBA and Colonial. She has previously lectured for the Kaplan Business School and written a regular property column for the Weekend Australian.

Hon Patrick Gorman MP

Member for Perth, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General

Andrew Haigh

CEO Newcastle Building Society

With over 25 years’ experience in the mutual sector, Andrew has an extensive track record in transforming and developing businesses. He has held financial services leadership roles as both an Executive and a Non-Executive Director, reinforcing the Board’s depth of consumer understanding. His previous experience is drawn from a variety of sectors including financial services, technology, automotive and airline industries.

Andrew became the Society’s Chief Executive in May 2015, having joined the Board as Chief Operating Officer in January 2014. A proven Chief Executive, Andrew has particular strength in building effective leadership teams and organisations with healthy, customer-focused cultures, and proudly drives our Society’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Andrew is the current President of the North East England Chamber of Commerce and a Board member of the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

Peter Ryan

Senior Business Correspondent, ABC News

Trish Blake

Commissioner for Consumer Protection WA

Trish Blake is the Commissioner for Consumer Protection. Previously the Director of Retail and Services, Trish also worked in the Legislation and Policy Directorate of Consumer Protection for more than 12 years.

As a passionate advocate for residential tenancies, scam prevention, human rights and product safety, Trish welcomes the opportunity to speak to industry professionals and the media on these important issues. She is a regular guest on ABC Perth’s Drive program, 6PR’s Perth Live program and often features in Consumer Protection television interviews.

Trish has a law degree and is admitted to practice in Western Australia. She also has a degree with Honours in Social Work and a Post Graduate qualification in Public Policy and taught in the Murdoch University’s International Human Rights program for a number of years. This involved taking a cohort of university students from across Australia to Geneva where students get to see first-hand the United Nations and various other bodies in action and where they learn how human rights laws are made and how they are enforced. Prior to working for the Department, Trish spent many years working in Community Legal Centres in WA.

Simon Stead

Chair CBH Group

Simon Stead was appointed as a Director of the CBH Board in February 2015, as Deputy Chair in April 2019, and as Chair in April 2020. He is currently a member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Simon runs a mixed sheep, cattle and cropping operation in Cascade and Dalyup in the Esperance port zone. He is a member of the Industry Advisory Board of the UWA Institute of Agriculture and is also a founding member and a past Chair of the Association for Sheep Husbandry, Excellence, Evaluation and Production (ASHEEP).

Simon holds an Executive Certificate in Agribusiness Marketing from Monash University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ben Macnamara

CEO CBH Group

Ben was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of CBH Group in July 2021. Previously, he was Chief Operations Officer, where he was responsible for leading CBH’s world-class storage and handling, logistics, and shipping services. Ben is leading CBH Group in creating a sustainable future and returning value to Western Australian growers.

Before joining CBH, Ben worked for an investment advisory firm and an international professional services firm. Ben is a member of the Chartered Accountants, Australia.

Rob Slocombe

Group CEO RAC

Rob Slocombe is the Group CEO of RAC in Western Australia (RAC).  RAC started as a motoring club in 1905 and now also provides a range of diverse services to over 1 million Western Australians in the areas of insurance, motoring, finance, travel and tourism, retirement and home services.  RAC also remains a strong advocate for its members on key issues such as road safety, mobility, accessibility and environmental sustainability.

Rob joined the RAC in September 2014 as Chief Operating Officer and from March 2019 became the Group CEO responsible for all group and subsidiary activities. Prior to joining the RAC, Rob spent 27 years in banking and financial services, primarily in retail banking, financial market trading and treasury roles.

Rob holds a certificate in Financial Markets, a Bachelor of Business degree, a Master of Business degree, a Master of Science and Technology degree and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

Rob currently serves on the board of Royal Flying Doctor Service where he Chairs the Risk and Audit Committee, the Curtin Advisory Council – Faculty of Business and Law, Chair of the Australian Automobile Association and is a member of the FIA Senate.

David Fraser

CEO Capricorn Society

David has over 38 years’ experience in the automotive industry and has held senior sales, marketing and general management roles over the past two decades. Prior to his appointment as Capricorn’s Group Chief Executive Officer in July 2019 he was CEO of the co-operative’s Automotive Division from 2013.

Before joining Capricorn in 2006, David was Group General Manager of Supply Direct, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASX-listed Ausdrill, and responsible for its operations in Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa and West Africa. He was also a former Associate Director and Group General Manager of ASX-listed Coventry Group Ltd and was responsible for the sales, marketing and administration of the Group’s automotive businesses. He is a current Director of various Capricorn subsidiary Boards, Councillor of the Co-operatives Federation of WA, and a Director and current Chair of Western Australian Motor Industry Foundation. David is also a former Director and past President of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

Liz Thomas

CEO CEHL

Liz commenced as Managing Director of Common Equity Housing Ltd (CEHL) in November 2021. She has more than 20 years Board Director and Managing Director experience in a range of companies including her own consulting practice. Liz led the transformation of Wayss housing and family violence services in Victoria. She led the development Common Ground social housing project in Tasmania and Australia’s first residential dementia village.

Liz specialises in managing change, stakeholders and bringing people together. She holdsa Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Sociology and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Andrew Hadley

CEO P&N Group

Chief Executive Officer of Police & Nurses Limited (PNL) since 2014, Andrew’s knowledge and experience has been gained from more than 25 years in the financial services industry.

In his early career, Andrew led the retail banking network for Australia’s largest customer-owned financial institution before taking on other group executive roles in strategy, marketing, and operations.

Andrew has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia (1990), a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment from Finsia (2004) and has also completed the Senior Executive Program at London Business School (2009). He is also a member of CEOs for Gender Equity (WA).

Basil Lenzo

Chair Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative

Basil Lenzo is a third-generation fisherman based in Fremantle and has been a skipper, owner and investor in the industry for over 40 years. He became a shareholder in 2004 and a member of the board in 2007. Basil brings strong business, and investment experience, has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Western Australia and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Basil also serves as an independent director on the Rural West Board.

Basil is a member of the Performance and Nomination Committee.

Marc Anderson

CEO Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative

Marc Anderson joined Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative as CEO in March 2024.

Marc is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate and holds a Graduate Diploma in Business (Marketing).

Marc has over 20 years of experience driving superior results in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Marc is a multi-skilled executive with extensive expertise in building and developing brands, international trade, supply-chain management, and stakeholder engagement.

Marc is passionate about food and beverage, as evidenced by his extensive experience with well-known Australian brands like Treasury Wine Estates and Brownes Dairy. His dedication and commitment to excellence in his senior roles have seen him sit on various advisory groups and boards throughout his career.

Justin James

CEO HIF

Justin James joined HIF in mid 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience in senior executive positions across Health Insurance and Financial Services, most recently with Private Health Insurer Bupa.

In his eight years as Director of Customer Growth and Director of Risk & Conduct with Bupa, Justin pioneered an ethical approach to performance and remuneration. Justin went on to advise and share insights with domestic stakeholders and global industry representatives.

Justin continues to be an advocate for conduct reform in B2C industries, specifically working with the choices emanating from artificial intelligence and digital platforms that target consumer end users.

Before moving into the Private Health Insurance industry, Justin held several senior executive and leadership roles in the Financial Services sector, including at the National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank and ANZ Bank.

Alison Holloway

CEO SGS Economics & Planning

Alison is CEO of SGS Economics and Planning, a for-purpose employee-owned public policy agency. Before being appointed as CEO in 2017, she led both the Sydney and Melbourne Practices and was a Director of the Company for two years. Alison has over 25 years of experience advising local, state and national governments across public policy, housing, strategic urban and transport planning, and investment decision making.

She Chairs the UNSW City Futures Research Centre Advisory Panel.

Neil Willmett

CEO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland

Neil is an accomplished CEO and Company Director, highly experienced across a range of corporate, government and not-for-profit entities.

A national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing, health, economic development and public administration, he is known as a leading thinker and for his work in strategy and policy development and policy implementation.

Neil has an outstanding record of significant achievement in executive roles in both the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. He has been the CEO of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland since 2021 and has held other Chief Executive Officer positions including with the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC). He was also an Executive Director with Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works where he played a key role in the development of the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017 – 2027; the Queensland Building Plan; and the Queensland Procurement Policy; and the implementation of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPARIH).

As well, Neil holds a number of current Directorships, including the National Housing Affordability and Supply Council (a statutory authority which provides independent, evidence-based expert advice to the Australian Government on matters that materially affect the supply and affordability of Australia’s housing); Relationships Australia (Queensland); and Selectability, each of which has interests in improving community outcomes.

His experience and knowledge are complemented with a public health degree from the University of Queensland. He is also a published business author.

Neil has connections to the Waanyi people of the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Kuku Yalanji people of Far North Queensland.

Craig Brooke

CEO KeyInvest

Craig has over 25 years in Senior Executive roles within the financial services industry across Australia and the Asia Pacific region, in some of Australia’s largest organisations. His vast experience spans retail banking, enterprise lending, credit transformation, share investing, margin lending, private banking, and financial advice.

Peter Hunt

Managing Director, Mutuo (UK)

Peter founded Mutuo in 2001 as the first cross mutual sector body to promote co-operative and mutual business to opinion formers and decision makers. For ten years prior, he was General Secretary of the Co-operative Party (UK). He is a co-founder of Supporters Direct, the football supporters’ initiative, which went on to establish over 100 supporters’ trusts at professional football clubs.

He led the Parliamentary teams which piloted five private members bills through the UK Parliament, working with all parties to update co-operative and mutual law. He advised the UK Coalition Government on its plans to mutualise Post Office Ltd and in 2012 published the report of the Ownership Commission, a two-year study into corporate diversity.

Peter has worked with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) since 2015, co-authoring the ‘Peoples’ Business’ and ‘Who Owns Europe’ research documents. In 2018/19 he led the successful industry alliance to develop the Australian Treasury Laws Amendment (Mutual Reforms) Act 2019, the first renewal of Australian mutuals legislation for 20 years.

Highlights since then include the successful campaign against the demutualisation of mutual insurer LV= in 2021 and the 2022 Sustainable Mutuals Business Program, with 19 Australian co-operatives and mutuals.

Associate Professor Paul Thambar

Director Mutual Value Lab Monash University

Paul Thambar is an Associate Professor with the Department of Accounting, Monash Business School and has a broad range of research interests in impact performance measurement, specifically in co-operatives and mutuals and non-profit organisations. A/Prof Paul Thambar is also the Director of the Mutual Value Lab established by the Monash Business School to build on its long term research collaboration with the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals (BCCM) and the co-operative and mutuals sector. The Lab builds and extends Monash’s research collaboration with the BCCM, which has resulted in the development of the ground breaking impact performance measurement framework, the Mutual Value Measurement (MVM) Framework©. Paul leads research engagement on the Care Together Program as the research, monitoring and evaluation partner.

Peter Watts

Principal, Watts Sustainability

Peter Watts, Director of Watts Sustainability (UK), is an experienced sustainability consultant helping clients mitigate risks and most importantly understand and implement the opportunities presented by more sustainable ways of working. He is a Chartered Environmentalist and a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. He runs the consultancy Watts Sustainability with a client list including LEGO, DHL, Institute of Cancer Research and ITV amongst many others.

He specialises in the design and implementation of sustainability and ESG strategy with particular expertise on the ‘E’– with projects including helping organisations develop net zero and climate crisis response strategies, setting improvement programs and developing engagement and behaviour change programs.

He has been working with the BCCM on the ESG Sustainable Mutual Value Program and is particularly enthusiastic about how the co-operative and mutual model can deliver benefits to the environment as well as society.

Gillian McFee

Program Director, Care Together

After holding CEO/senior executive and non-executive roles in aged care, disability services, housing and community services for governments and the not-for-profit sector, Gillian immersed herself in understanding the co-operative and mutual business model at a time when she felt there was an opportunity to diversify the ownership structure of social care providers to make way for new business models, including by employees and multi-stakeholders. In 2018, Gillian was instrumental in the formation of Kudos Services served on the Board by the Kudos Members from 2019-2022. From 2005-2011, Gillian was Director, Uniting in NSW.ACT, one of Australia’s largest providers of aged care and home care services.

Michael Pilbrow

BCCM Special Advisor, Care Together Program Manager

Michael Pilbrow is a special advisor for the BCCM and Program Manager for the BCCM’s Care Together program.

Michael is a former diplomat with wide-ranging experience from a grass roots community level, right up to high-level government strategy. Michael is founder of Strategic Development Group and as Chairman, he oversees the company’s governance and growth from its Yass base in regional NSW, Australia. Throughout his business career, Michael has used his strategy and community engagement skills to work on complex challenges like affordable housing, sustainable health and education services, and employment in regional areas.

Pastor Ray Minniecon

Director, Bunji Consultancies

Ray Minniecom is pastor at Scarred Tree Indigenous Ministries with St. John’s Anglican Church, Glebe, NSW, Australia. Ray is a Board member with several Indigenous ministries and organisations. He is Founder of the Coloured Digger Project and Consultant to both the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation and the Children of the Bomaderry Aboriginal Children’s Home where many Aboriginal children were taken and placed under the Native Welfare Act of NSW. Ray and Sharon are Vision Keepers for the World Christian Gathering of Indigenous Peoples.

Jo Dodd

Partner, Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Jo is a leading debt capital markets lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience. Jo specialises in advising a range of financial institutions and corporates on debt capital markets transactions and regulatory matters. She has a particular focus on regulatory capital and other hybrid securities in both retail and debt markets. Jo’s expertise spans all debt capital markets instruments, and includes debt issuance programmes and drawdowns, standalone issuances, retail bond and regulatory capital offerings and liability management transactions. She has extensive experience across developments in financial and prudential regulation, the retail corporate bond market, sustainable finance and digital bonds.  Jo has been advising mutuals for many years in relation to capital raising and prudential matters.  She is a Partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Mark Love

Legal Director, BAL Lawyers

Mark has practised the full spectrum of business and corporate law for more than 34 years.  He is one of the firm’s founding name Directors and is a NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Business Law.

His practice concentrates on the areas of contract and commercial law, contract negotiation and drafting, as well as enforcement and compliance strategies. His practice has involved all manner of business-related matters, ranging from advising on the placement of high-end Cray computers in defense sensitive environments to drafting standard terms of sale for goods and services, leasing and hire/acquisition arrangements.

Mark works extensively in the field of corporate duties, including enforcement of duties in the course of insolvency and was a course developer and nearing 20 years a course facilitator of the AICD “Director Duties and Responsibilities” module. He was a long-term director and Deputy Chairman of “Exhibition Park in Canberra”, an ACT Government Corporation. He was formerly the Chair of the ACT Law Society Legal Practice and Ethics Committee. He is experienced in corporate governance law, insolvency, restructuring and intellectual property. Mark’s clients include private industry, government agencies, peak industry representative bodies, Chartered and CPA accountants, insolvency practitioners, corporate retailers and co-operatives.

Dr Michael Schaper

Former Deputy Chair ACCC and Chair Energy Consumers Australia

Dr Michael Schaper was announced as the new Chair of Energy Consumers Australia, the independent, national voice for residential and small business energy consumers, in January 2024.

He was confirmed in the role by the South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining, The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, in his role as the sole ‘member’ of Energy Consumers Australia, on behalf of federal, state and territory energy ministers.

Dr Schaper was previously Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Small Business Commissioner for the Australian Capital Territory. He will replace Ms Louise Sylvan AM, Energy Consumers Australia’s inaugural Chair, who has served in the role for the last nine years.

Tari Makanda

Partner – Audit & Assurance, Grant Thornton

Tari is a Partner within Grant Thornton Australia Limited (GTAL) based in Sydney and has been with GTAL since 2017. Before, Tari held various positions in Audit and Assurance with PwC Sydney, EY Cayman Islands and EY Zimbabwe working predominantly within Banking and Asset Management.

Tari is an experienced financial services industry advisor with a  focus on leading and conducting external & internal audits, compliance engagements, regulatory audits including APRA and AFSL engagements as well as facilitating risk and control assessments.

Tari is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Institute of Chartered Accountants Zimbabwe and Institute of Internal Auditors Australia.

Simon Venus

Partner, Piper Alderman

Simon is a lawyer and partner in Piper Alderman’s Corporate Division. He acts on a broad range of corporate and commercial transactions for Australian and international corporations, fund managers and high net worth families and private clients and co-operatives.  He is the National Head of the firm’s Agribusiness Practice Group and has significant experience acting on corporate and commercial agribusiness transactions across Australia.

He has completed a program at Monash University on Co-operative Leadership and Governance and has advised co-operatives in a range of industries including meat, dairy, grains, fruit, fishing, edible nuts and retail.  He has a particular interest in co-operatives and was appointed as a legal panellist to the Australian Government’s Farm Co-operatives and Collaboration program.  He has also been a Director of the peak national agri body, Agribusiness Australia, as well as an inaugural member of the South Australian Agribusiness Council.

Among current roles, he is an inaugural member of the Agribusiness Advisory Board at the University of Adelaide’s School of Business, a trustee of the Michell Bequest Foundation, a Director of Rural Business Support SA & NT and a Director on the boards of several private client companies.

Joanna Burton

National Leader, Finex (Financial and Executive) Claims, WTW

Joanna is the head of WTW’s Financial and Executive Claims team. Joanna has over 20 years of technical experience across a range of professional risks including regulatory investigations and class action litigation, predominately in the areas of directors and officers and professional indemnity risks, spanning the fields of financial services, engineering, legal practice, healthcare, disability, education, and mining. Joanna has a legal background with extensive experience acting as defence counsel on complex litigated claims and working as coverage counsel for insurers managing issues of policy interpretation and coverage disputes. At WTW Joanna supports clients to navigate the complexities of professional obligations in the insurance environment and ensures that directors, officers, and corporate insureds can access policy response and navigate insurance risks in the areas of regulatory investigation and litigated claims.

Dr Alison Koschel

Executive Manager Populations, Access and Performance, Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN)

Dr Ali Koschel has an extensive background in health research and population health planning with qualifications in epidemiology, biostatistics, nursing and health promotion.

Ali has experience in the acute health system in Emergency Medicine and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Neurosurgery. She has further experience in the Victorian Community Health system where cross border issues were prominent. Her PhD, Secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease in general practice through the University of Newcastle, started a passion for primary care.

At the HNECC PHN Ali is responsible for population access and performance and is passionate about First Nations health, equitable access to health services, identification of needs, and health planning in the primary care setting, particularly in regional and rural areas.

Clive Thompson

Director CoSolve

Clive is the director of CoSolve and a workplace relations lawyer and mediator. Most of his work involves facilitating change or enterprise agreement negotiations in unionised workplaces as a neutral third party. In recent years he has also been involved in assisting mutuals and co-ops charter their way forward. His specific brief in the Care Together program is to support sole traders and others working in the care space in regional areas as they explore the merits of forming community care co-ops.

Jacky Mills

Chief Experience Officer, Capricorn

Jacky was appointed as Capricorn’s Chief Experience Officer in March 2023. She is responsible for identifying and implementing strategies related to the overall experience of the Capricorn community. This includes the core functions of brand, marketing, market research, the rewards program and external communications, along with developing customised experiences designed to deliver on Capricorn’s vision and purpose.

Prior to joining Capricorn, Jacky held sales, marketing and operational leadership positions at organisations including QBE Insurance, IAG and Wesfarmers Insurance. Her experience includes brand strategy, market research and insights, customer experience monitoring, business to business marketing strategy, and the development of direct and partnered sales channels.

Commencing her career in market research helped Jacky understand the importance of the end-to-end member experience and deeply understanding this from a member’s perspective. She is passionate about delivering excellent communications that are tailored to their audience.

Jacky joined Capricorn in April 2021 in the role of Head of Marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Master of Business Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Liz O’Connell

CEO Kudos

Appointed CEO in January 2024, Liz has two decades of experience in the Human Services sector, spanning from frontline to Executive, as well as roles as a Director and Strategic Advisor for several social enterprises. With an educational foundation in social sciences and forensic psychology, combined with business administration, Liz has demonstrated success in service design, corporate strategy, and the dynamic leadership of high-performing organisations.

Throughout her career, Liz has managed innovative initiatives across areas such as child and youth health, child protection, youth justice, mental health, corrections, and support for individuals with disabilities. Her expertise extends beyond operational areas to encompass an understanding of Clinical Governance and hands-on experience in organisational management.

Liz is driven by a personal passion for social impact investment, outcome measurement, research, and evaluation. Her strategic insight and adeptness in systems thinking have played pivotal roles in driving successful transformations within the not-for-profit sector and Government agencies alike.

As CEO of Kudos, Liz brings extensive experience and a passion for impactful change. With her strategic vision, she is ready to lead Kudos to a positive and promising future.

Toby Wright

Head of Strategy & Sustainability, CBH Group

Toby was appointed Head of Strategy & Sustainability in 2024 and is responsible for group strategy development, and the development, implementation and reporting of the CBH sustainability plan.

Toby commenced with CBH in the Commercial and Business Development team in 2015 and held the role of Head of Business Development and Head of Sustainability prior to taking on strategy.

Before Joining CBH, Toby worked in a top tier professional services firm and gained experience in mergers & acquisitions, initial public offerings, project finance and valuation. Toby brings a well-rounded perspective to his role.

Toby holds bachelor of Global Economics and Finance from Curtin University. Toby is passionate about driving positive change and ensuring CBH’s strategy and sustainable practices contribute to a better future.

Wendy Pederick

Convenor, Co-operative Care Wagin

What gets Wendy, an introvert, out of her hiding hole is the vision that things could be better than they are. Marrying a farmer and growing to love primary production and small-town living, Wendy, now retired, serves in several capacities as a volunteer. Her heroes are the ones who rise – rise above the odds and the nay-sayers, above harsh history and repressive patterns, above lack and isolation, above losses and fears. Her creative joys come with quilting and gardening. An optimist, she applauds courage, sacrifice, and kindness, for they give us glimpses – and hope – of a better us.

Rade Musulin

Principal, Finity Consulting

Rade Musulin is a Principal at Finity Consulting in Sydney, Australia, focusing on extreme events and climate risk. Previously he served as the Chief Executive Officer of FBAlliance Insurance, Chief Operating Officer of Aon Benfield Analytics Asia Pacific, and Vice President Operations, Public Affairs, and Reinsurance for the Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

Rade serves Chair of the International Actuarial Association’s Resource and Environment Virtual Forum. He recently was Chair of the Actuaries Institute’s Climate and Sustainability Working Group and was Vice President – Casualty for the American Academy of Actuaries from 2016 – 2018. He was named as co-winner of the Actuaries Institute’s Actuary of the Year award in 2023.

His main areas of interest include how changing population demographics affect catastrophe exposure, climate change adaptation, applications of catastrophe models for disaster planning in developing countries, building code development, and community resilience. He represented the International Actuarial Association at COP 27 in Egypt in 2022 and at COP 28 in Dubai in 2023.

Prue Bowden

CEO—Home Health, Australian Unity

Prue Bowden was appointed to the position of CEO, Home Health with effect from 12 September 2022, she was previously the Group Executive People & Culture. Prue joined Australian Unity in February 2017. She led the Group’s transformation agenda to reshape the enterprise operating model, putting the customer front and centre and driving new and more efficient ways of working. In September 2018, Prue was appointed Group Executive, People & Culture.

Prue is responsible for leading the Home Health Platform: comprising home care (including Indigenous services) and Remedy Healthcare businesses—creating an integrated healthcare platform to provide healthcare solutions for in-home, community and virtual settings.

Prior to joining Australian Unity, Prue was the Principal Consultant and Director of People Solutions Group Pty Ltd, a boutique consulting firm focused on operating model design and transformational change. Prue brings to Australian Unity diverse industry experience, having successfully led people functions, and transformational change in complex, commercial environments in banking, insurance, media and healthcare. Previous clients and employers include News Limited, Suncorp, ANZ and Ramsay Health Care.

Michael Töns

Executive Manager, Sustainability & Community Impact, at People First Bank

Michael Töns is Executive Manager, Sustainability & Community Impact, at People First Bank. He is responsible for driving the organisation’s sustainability agenda and for developing the corporate strategic plan.

Prior to the merger between People’s Choice Credit Union and Heritage Bank in 2023, Michael was the Chief Risk Officer and Chief Merger Integration Officer of People’s Choice. He has worked in the banking sector for more than 10 years following a career in software development and consulting.

Michael has a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide, and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University.

Linda Henry

Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Great Southern Bank

Linda Henry is Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Great Southern Bank. She has over 20 years’ experience leading teams to create positive social and environmental impact, and managing reputation and communications.  She has worked across a range of sectors including government, education and more recently financial services. She is passionate about inclusion and building shared value into business strategy and decision making. She holds responsibility for Great Southern Bank’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, including the bank’s Reconciliation Commitments, and is one of the Bank’s Sponsors of their Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

Stephen Morton

CFO, Almondco Australia Limited

Stephen Morton joined Almondco Australia Limited as CFO/Company Secretary in July 2013 where he has overseen Almondco’s finance, legal, risk management and ITC during a period of significant company and industry growth.

With over 25 years experience, Stephen has held a number of leadership roles in finance, operations and strategy across a range of corporate structures and industries including agribusiness and manufacturing. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds an AGSM Executive MBA.

Stephen is passionate about building high-performing teams, driving business improvement and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders.

Michelle Bagnall

CEO, Bank First

Michelle is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank First and brings over 25 years of financial services experience in Australia and internationally. Prior to joining Bank First in February 2021, Michelle was CEO of RACQ Bank and held senior positions at Suncorp, National Australia Bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Insurance Australia Group. She is driven by a deep respect for people and passionate about the powerful combination of people leadership, partnership and organisational competencies. Michelle is a member of FINSIA, a graduate of AICD and has completed an MBA (with Distinction). She has previously held Executive Director positions on the Boards of a superannuation trustee at Suncorp, and the Board of RACQ Financial Planning Pty Ltd. On a personal level, Michelle directs her energies toward issues related to women, education, equality, inclusion, and empowerment.

Jamie Higgins

CEO MBL

Jamie is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience in key executive roles across multiple industries. Joining MBL in 2019 as CEO, Jamie has driven significant business improvements and ultimately substantial year on year growth for South Australia’s oldest co-operative.

Recognising the value of MBL to its core business in the meat industry, Jamie’s vision to shape the food, produce and beverage industries saw him implement a companywide rebrand, expanding MBL’s reach to the wider food and beverage market – a move that has and will continue to support a mutually beneficial co-operative for all.

A baker by trade, Jamie understands and is in touch with businesses of all sizes. A knowledge that assisted MBL in receiving the accolade of AMIC’s Supplier of the Year in 2023.

Jamie holds qualifications from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Deakin University and the University of South Australia.

Gemma Pinnell

Principal, Right Lane Consulting

Gemma is a principal at Right Lane Consulting, a progressive and innovative management consulting firm that serves the purpose economy.

Gemma leads the firm’s Housing and Superannuation practices and also serves clients in the public and social sectors. At Right Lane Consulting, Gemma works closely with boards and executive teams to pursue their inspiring missions and address their toughest challenges

She has worked in senior positions in superannuation and the labour movement for over two decades.

Prior to joining Right Lane, Gemma worked at Industry Super Australia in the leadership team, responsible for stakeholder engagement and collaboration. For the first two decades of her career Gemma worked in the Trade Union movement, with senior roles at the ACTU and NTEU. She was previously a director of AustralianSuper and Industry Funds Services.

Gemma is a director of Open House Melbourne and holds a Master’s degree in Communication from RMIT, an Honours degree in Women’s Studies and Politics from Monash University and is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors course.

Tim Mazzarol

Emeritus Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow, UWA Business School

Tim Mazzarol is an Emeritus Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow within the UWA Business School where he specialises in entrepreneurship, innovation, small business management, marketing and strategy. He is a Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR) with the Research Society. In addition, Tim is an Affiliate Professor of the Burgundy School of Business, Group ESC Dijon, Bourgogne France. He is also the Coordinator of the UWA Co-operative Enterprise Research Unit (CERU), a Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Management and Innovation (CEMI), and a founder Director and Company Secretary of the Commercialisation Studies Centre (CSC) Ltd.

Tim has been with UWA since 2001 and previously worked at Curtin University from 1994 to 2000. During that time, he was the Director of the Small Business Unit and a Research Fellow with the Institute for Research into International Competitiveness (IRIC). Prior to his academic career Tim was a high school teacher, a diplomatic officer within the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, and a manager with National Mutual Ltd.

Paul Saeki

CEO Northern Australia Aboriginal Kakadu Plum Alliance (NAAKPA)

Paul Saeki is the current Chief Executive Officer for the Northern Australia Aboriginal Kakadu Plum Alliance Cooperative Limited.  He has previously worked for the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and within the Higher Education international and research sectors. He has an Honours in Archaeology, Grad Dip in Law, Masters in Project Management and a Diploma of Food Science and Technology. He has also completed studies in cosmetic science and is based in Darwin.

Sandra Harben

Whadjuk/Balardong Nyungar woman

Sandra Harben is a Whadjuk/Balardong Nyungar woman. She studied at UWA under a scholarship granted through the Public Service Commission Aboriginal Employment Career Strategy, graduating in 1994. In 1995 she undertook studies at the University of Illinois as a recipient of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Overseas Study Award. In 2003 she was awarded Murdoch University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarship.

Sandra was a lecturer and principal research consultant at Murdoch University’s Kulbardi Aboriginal Education Centre. but resigned to pursue her own consultancy business, Richmond Consultancy. She has conducted numerous Cross Cultural Awareness Training Workshops (CCWTW) throughout the South West and metropolitan areas. Sandra recently completed CCATW with Legal Aid WA, Department for Sport and Recreation and Keystart WA.

She is currently employed by Curtin University as an associate researcher. Sandra Harben, in collaboration with Professor Leonard Collard, who is an expert in Nyungar culture, history and language, was successful in gaining an Australian Research Council grant to research and develop the ‘Nyungar Place names and Meanings’ in the South West of Western Australia.

Rohan Mead

Chair, BCCM
Group Managing Director and CEO, Australian Unity

Rohan was appointed Group Managing Director of Australian Unity Limited on 1 July 2004. As Group Managing Director, he is a member of subsidiary boards and most committees. Rohan is Chairman of the Business Council of Australia’s Healthy Australia task force and a member of its Indigenous Engagement task force. He is also a Director of the Centre for Independent Studies, Platypus Asset Management Pty Limited & Private Healthcare Australia Limited (PHA).

Prior to joining Australian Unity, Rohan was employed by Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited (1996-2003) in a range of senior roles.

Melina Morrison

CEO BCCM

Anthony Taylor

Policy and Government Affairs Manager, BCCM

Anthony Taylor is the BCCM’s Policy and Government Affairs Manager, responsible for government submissions, policy reviews and advocacy efforts. He also oversees the Public Affairs and Secretary forums.

Anthony possesses extensive knowledge of co-operative and mutual law and regulation in Australia. Since joining the BCCM in 2017, he has held various policy roles and supported co-operative development projects such as Co-operative Farming and Care Together.

In addition to his policy work, Anthony is Company Secretary for the BCCM and Secretary of 888 Co-operative Causeway Limited.

Anthony holds a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

Linda Seaborn

Senior Policy Adviser, BCCM

Linda Seaborn has been a part of the co-operative movement for over thirty years. She lives in a housing co-operative in lutruwita / Tasmania. Linda’s education and career has included community services, health, government, workforce development and working with the Aboriginal community. She currently works for the BCCM as a Senior Policy Adviser supporting housing co-operatives and First Nations co-operatives.

Rade Musulin

Principal, Finity Consulting

Rade is a Principal at Finity based in Sydney. He was named as the joint 2023 Actuary of the Year by the Actuaries Institute. He is an US trained Actuary, and has 40 years’ experience in General Insurance specialising particularly in property pricing, natural perils, reinsurance, mutuals and co-operatives, agriculture, catastrophe risk modelling, public policy development, and climate risk. His main areas of interest include how changing population demographics affect catastrophe exposure, climate change adaptation, applications of catastrophe models for disaster planning in developing countries, building code development, and community resilience.

The Hon Don Punch MLA

WA Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering

The Hon. Don Punch MLA is the Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; and Volunteering.

He has been a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly since 2017, representing the seat of Bunbury.

Don migrated to Australia from Manchester in 1971, attending high school in Manjimup and Collie.

Prior to entering politics, Don studied psychology and social work at the University of Western Australia, and later completed an MBA at Edith Cowan University. He has worked throughout regional Western Australia as a social worker and as a Senior Executive in the public sector.

In 1998, Don became CEO of the South West Development and assumed responsibility for many aspects of the South West region’s social and economic development. Key projects included the renewal of the Manjimup town centre with an emphasis on food based tourism, the renewal of the Bunbury water front and the redevelopment of Busselton airport. He continued in this role until resigning to contest the seat of Bunbury for WA Labor in 2016.

After being elected in 2017, Don was appointed to the WA Methamphetamine Task Force and the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee.

Upon re-election in 2021 he was appointed to the second McGowan Ministry.

His passion for blending social and economic development and commitment to creative design and emerging technologies characterised his work in the south west, and will continue to guide his Ministerial agenda.

David Speers

ABC Insiders

David Speers is the ABC’s National Political Lead and host of Insiders on Sunday mornings. He regularly interviews the nation’s political leaders, decision makers and leading analysts.

Over more than two decades covering federal politics, David has won a number of awards for his interviewing and journalism, including Walkley Awards and a Logie.

David has hosted Election Leaders’ Debates since John Howard v Kevin Rudd in 2007, anchored election night broadcasts and live coverage of every major political moment.

David is based in Canberra and is a past President of the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Justin Langer AM

Former Australian Cricket Coach and cricketer

Until the announcement of his retirement from test cricket in 2007 Justin was one of Australia’s great top-order batsmen, playing 105 tests and scoring 7,696 runs including 23 test centuries. He is Australian cricket’s highest first class run scorer, surpassing Sir Don Bradman. Few have worn the baggy green with greater pride.

After retiring from his playing career Justin moved into the coaching arena firstly as Batting-Mentoring Coach of the Australian test cricket team and later as Assistant Coach.

In 2012 Justin was appointed Coach of Western Australian cricket (Perth Scorchers and Western Warriors). In 2018, Justin became Coach of the Australian cricket team. After four years Justin resigned to spend more time with his family and friends.

Justin was entered in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and was awarded Wisden’s Coach of the Year.

After a few years away from coaching, Justin was appointed coach of the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League and still holds that position today.

Justin is a much loved writer for the West Australian newspaper and has also joined the Seven Network’s highly acclaimed broadcast team across the Australian summer of cricket.

Justin is patron of Solaris Care, Children’s Leukemia & Cancer Research Foundation, Kyle Andrews Foundation and an ambassador for the Fathering Project, Ear Science Institute Australia, the Bravery Trust and Ovarian Cancer Australia. He was named as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to Australian cricket in the 2008 Queens Birthday Honors List. Justin is on the board of Mineral Resources and the West Coast Eagles Football Club and a member of the MCC World Cricket Committee. He has written six books and is in the process of writing his next book.

Ben Macnamara

CEO CBH Group

Ben was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of CBH Group in July 2021. Previously, he was Chief Operations Officer, where he was responsible for leading CBH’s world-class storage and handling, logistics, and shipping services. Ben is leading CBH Group in creating a sustainable future and returning value to Western Australian growers.

Before joining CBH, Ben worked for an investment advisory firm and an international professional services firm. Ben is a member of the Chartered Accountants, Australia.

Rob Slocombe

Group CEO RAC

Rob Slocombe is the Group CEO of RAC in Western Australia (RAC).  RAC started as a motoring club in 1905 and now also provides a range of diverse services to over 1 million Western Australians in the areas of insurance, motoring, finance, travel and tourism, retirement and home services.  RAC also remains a strong advocate for its members on key issues such as road safety, mobility, accessibility and environmental sustainability.

Rob joined the RAC in September 2014 as Chief Operating Officer and from March 2019 became the Group CEO responsible for all group and subsidiary activities. Prior to joining the RAC, Rob spent 27 years in banking and financial services, primarily in retail banking, financial market trading and treasury roles.

Rob holds a certificate in Financial Markets, a Bachelor of Business degree, a Master of Business degree, a Master of Science and Technology degree and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

Rob currently serves on the board of Royal Flying Doctor Service where he Chairs the Risk and Audit Committee, the Curtin Advisory Council – Faculty of Business and Law, Chair of the Australian Automobile Association and is a member of the FIA Senate.