Corporate Ladder: your weekly guide to executive appointments in South Australia
South Australia’s premier executive appointments column tracking the movements of those driving the state’s public and private sectors. Plus the latest executive recruitment opportunities.
ICAC deputy commissioner appointed
South Australian governor Frances Adamson has appointed Benjamin Broyd as deputy commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Benjamin Broyd
Broyd previously worked for the Police Integrity Commission and as a prosecution officer for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in New South Wales.
Since relocating to South Australia, he has worked for the Crown Solicitor for South Australia and at ICAC, where he has been director of its legal and compliance team since October 2022.
He also served as acting commissioner from September 2024 until January 2025.
“Mr Broyd has been an asset to the Commission for nearly three years in his role as Director of Legal and Compliance and held other roles within the Commission prior to that. His evident leadership, his experience as a legal practitioner and his wealth of knowledge about the integrity landscape make him an ideal appointee for the role of Deputy Commissioner,” said ICAC commissioner Emma Townsend.
The announcement comes following the appointment of Townsend as commissioner of ICAC in December 2024.
Commissioner Townsend’s appointment came after her predecessor, Ann Vanstone KC, sensationally resigned, criticising a 2021 amendment to legislation governing public integrity in South Australia, which she said “damaged the scheme, under the guise of making it more ‘effective and efficient’.”
SASIC director of space takes off
Campbell Pegg has been announced as the new director of space for the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC).
Campbell Pegg
SASIC said he brings more than 15 years of experience in the space industry across five countries and has played an important role in several international and national space missions.
Pegg has previous leadership experience in the government, commercial and startup sectors, including most recently as assistant director for satellite engineering at Optus.
Before this, he held leadership positions at the Australian Space Agency and Fleet Space Technologies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Campbell to the team. His technical expertise in spacecraft engineering and passion for developing the Australian space sector makes him an ideal leader as we look to capitalise on new technologies while further establishing our industry and capabilities on the global stage,” said Matt Opie, who is SASIC’s chief executive.
A bottle of red, a bottle of white
Adelaide local Ruth Harris has started as executive officer of Wine Communicators of Australia.
Ruth Harris
WCA said her appointment comes after an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process by the WCA board subcommittee.
Harris brings to the role more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications in wine businesses, regional associations and wine industry member-based organisations.
In her new role, Harris will focus on enhancing WCA’s educational and networking offerings and continuing to support wine industry professionals.
WCA said she joins at a “pivotal time” in the wine industry as it is navigating market pressures, oversupply challenges and international trade barriers.
“I am honoured to step into the role of Executive Officer at such a vital time for the Australian wine community,” said Harris.
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“WCA plays an incredibly important role in bringing people together to communicate, learn and grow.
“I am excited by the opportunity to work with the progressive Board, engaged members, supportive partners, and the broader industry to continue building a strong, vibrant and connected network.”
WCA was established in 2010 as a national not-for-profit organisation aiming to connect business professionals working in the wine industry.
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Chair for peak industry body, Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated. As the national association representing grape and wine producers, the organisation addresses challenges within the sector, driving initiatives to enhance both the profitability and sustainability of its members. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on one of Australia’s most iconic industries. Chief Executive Officer for Lutheran Disability Services (LDS), a well-established, Christian values-based provider of person-centred disability services. Working with a connected and committed Board, the CEO will guide LDS’s strategic vision with authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to consultation, communication and partnership with clients. |
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Australian Vintage CEO departs (again)
Craig Garvin has stepped down as CEO wine conglomerate Australian Vintage.
Craig Garvin
Garvin was re-appointed as CEO seven months ago after having been sacked from the role in May 2024.
The board said at the time that he engaged in conduct that “displayed a lack of judgment and was inconsistent with the values of the company and the high standards expected of its Chief Executive Officer”.
Following his most recent departure, Australian Vintage chair James Williamson said that “the board appreciates the transformational leadership that Craig has brought to Australian Vintage over many years”.
Tom Dusseldorp
“This started with Craig taking the company from a family business to a major player in the Australian wine industry.
“He returned last year to support the board with a plan to stabilise the company during a difficult 2024 and ensure we had a first-class leadership team in place for the longer term.
“We are now better positioned as a result of his leadership, including having a clear succession plan in place.”
Garvin will be replaced by Australian Vintage’s chief commercial officer, Tom Dusseldorp.
Dusseldorp has been at Australian Vintage for the past two and a half years, including two years as its chief marketing officer and the past five months as chief commercial officer.
He has also been chair of the Dusseldorp Forum family foundation for the past 15 and a half years.
Australian Vintage is the owner of Nepenthe, McGuigan, Tempus Two and Passion Pop.
Olympian joins FIVB board of administration
Adelaide-based three-time Olympic volleyball player Louise Bawden has joined the board of administration at the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) – the international governing body for the sport.
Louise Bawden
Bawden, who is currently also president of the Athletes Commission at FIVB, will serve on the board of administration for the 2024-2028 Olympic cycle.
Bawden is currently sports program lead at the South Australian Sports Institute and an instructor with FIVB.
Bawden was on the Australian volleyball team at the 2000 Sydney, 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“It is exciting to see a substantially new and dynamic board motivated to drive the sport forward,” said Craig Carracher AM, who is chair of the FIVB Beach Volleyball Commission.
“Particularly important is the focus in the FIVB Strategic Plan agender #2 to turn around Beach Volleyball.”
Funds SA CIO heads home
Matthew Kempton will step down from Funds SA and return to his hometown of Melbourne for family reasons and to pursue a new opportunity.
Matthew Kempton
Kempton has been at Funds SA for around seven and a half years, firstly as director of equities before also becoming deputy chief investment officer (CIO).
He was formerly head of investments at ESSSuper for five years from 2013 to 2018.
“Matt has made a fantastic contribution to Funds SA and its clients, particularly in recent times, when he stepped into the CIO role during a period of significant change within the business. He is a very talented investor and leader who will succeed wherever he goes. While we are sad to see him leave, family always comes first,” said Funds SA CEO John Piteo.
ABC SA gets ready for move to central location
Frank Filosi has announced he will be joining the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as head of its Adelaide Accommodation Program from May 12.
Frank Filosi
In this role, he will oversee the ABC South Australia’s relocation from its brutalist headquarters in Collinswood to a more central location in Adelaide by 2029.
Filosi joins the ABC from Big Screen Video, where he has been general manager since May 2023.
Before this, he spent 37 years at Network 10, including most recently as general manager of Adelaide and as vice president and facilities for Network 10 and Paramount ANZ.
Filosi is also a member of the media advisory board at the University of Adelaide and previously spent around six years as deputy chair of Brand South Australia.
“It’s a thrill to join this outstanding organisation and to be part of the highly skilled ABC team charged with relocating the ABC Adelaide operations to new modern premises,” said Filosi.
Former BRUC student returns
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Kate Goodes has started as manager of the Barossa Regional University Campus (BRUC), which is part of the national Department of Education’s Regional University Study Hubs program.
Kate Goodes
BRUC is managed by the Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains (RDABGLAP), which said Goodes was appointed following a competitive recruitment process with strong candidates from across South Australia.
Goodes is also a PhD candidate and a former BRUC student.
Goodes has joined BRUC from the University of Adelaide, where she was education quality officer and university liaison in the School of Education.
She previously held leadership roles as national professional development at Musica Viva Australia and state coordinator for the Australian Youth Orchestra’s “Music and Me” program, as well as being chair for the SA chapter of the Australian Society for Music Education.
“Kate brings a rare combination of local insight and national experience. Her appointment reflects RDA BGLAP’s commitment to regional education that is accessible, aspirational, and deeply connected to community,” said RDA BGLAP’s CEO, Jennifer Lynch.
“We’re thrilled to welcome her back to BRUC and look forward to the next chapter under her leadership.”
iTL says yes to new head chef
Nicola Pulerá has been appointed as head chef of contemporary Italian restaurant iTL.
Nicola Pulerá
Pulerá has more than 10 years of experience leading restaurant teams in Australia and in his homeland of Italy.
Before moving to Australia, Pulerá was a kitchen hand and then sous chef at Osteria Murgie in Milan, Italy.
He also worked at 400 Gradi in Norwood, where he specialised in making pizza.
“It’s an inspiring environment, working alongside a team of chefs who are not only passionate but also eager to push boundaries,” said Pulerá.
“There’s a shared energy in a kitchen like that, where everyone is constantly striving to create something new and exciting.
iTL is located on the ground floor of SkyCity Adelaide, located in the heritage-listed Adelaide railway station on North Terrace.
Theatre Republic’s inaugural artistic director says farewell
Theatre Republic co-founder Corey McMahon has had his final week at the company, where he was appointed as the inaugural artistic director in 2017.
Corey McMahon
Under McMahon’s leadership, Theatre Republic has presented productions of three South Australian premieres and the development of two full-length plays, among other achievements.
Speaking previously to InDaily, McMahon said that after eight years, he recognised “it’s time for someone else with energy and drive and new ideas to step in”.
“You’re not only responsible for conceptualising or creating a season of work and finding ways to create new theatre and provide opportunities for local artists; you’re also running a company and the nuts-and-bolts business of doing that as well,” he said.
Emily Steel
Award-winning playwright, dramaturg and theatre-maker Emily Steel has taken over from McMahon as Theatre Republic’s new artistic director.
Theatre Republic said Steel has written, developed and produced award-winning plays for community, independent and main-stage theatre companies and is an advocate and mentor for emerging artists.
“Emily is an eminent writer, dramaturg and teacher. She is the perfect person to make clear Theatre Republic’s unique place in the SA theatre landscape,” said Terence Crawford, who is chair of the Theatre Republic.
Jumping on board at Petratherm
Petratherm Limited has announced the addition of Rob Sennitt to its board as an executive director.
Rob Sennitt
Petratherm said he brings more than 30 years of executive and financial markets experience in the resources sector.
Sennitt was previously managing director at Alicanto Minerals Ltd, where he spent two years.
Before this, he was senior adviser for Australia and Asia at Appian Capital Advisory LLP and has also held director roles at Minerals Deposits Limited, RBC Capital Markets and Macquarie Capital.
In addition, he spent nearly 14 years at J.P. Morgan as senior vice president and head of natural resources for Australia.
“We are delighted Rob is joining the Petratherm Board as an Executive Director. He has extensive mineral sands experience with a highly regarded track record for value realisation that is well suited to assist in guiding the Company forward,” said Petratherm’s CEO, Peter Reid.
Petratherm is a copper and critical minerals explorer with major projects in the northern Gawler Craton and the Olympic Copper-Gold Province of South Australia.
Winemaker joins Fleurieu tourism board
Winemaker Alexia Roberts has been appointed to the board of Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism.
Alexia Roberts
Roberts has more than 20 years of experience as a winemaker in Australia, France and Italy.
Since 2013, she has served as chief winemaker for the Penny’s Hill, The Black Chook and Thomas Goss brands of Randall Wine Group.
In 2024, she was appointed as chief operating officer of Penny’s Hill, Gemtree and Seppeltsfield at Randall Wine Group, while also continuing in her previous role.
In addition, she is a member of the Australian Women in Wine advisory board.
Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism said Roberts’s appointment will help their mission to further develop the region’s wine and beverage experience sector and attract more visitors.
“We’re delighted that Alexia has joined our team. As a local winemaker, she has a great knowledge base, and her reputation as a dynamic business leader means we’re well placed to grow our wine tourism sector,” said Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism chair Matthew Hurley.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to Ben Broyd as the former Director of Public Prosecutions in NSW. It also mistakenly referred to Emma Townsend as the director, rather than the commissioner of ICAC. The article has been updated to correct these errors.
