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.
BDO expands Adelaide team
BDO has announced the appointment of Nick Anderson as a partner in its Adelaide Business Services team.
Nick Anderson
BDO said Anderson brings more than two decades of experience working with sophisticated investors in family office environments and multinational corporations.
He has expertise in family office engagement, corporate and commercial advice, and guardian and estate matters, as well as developing and implementing strategies, simplifying investment and operating structures for family offices.
Anderson is currently also an independent executive director at Credit Union SA, where he has been for more than three years.
“BDO has a strong reputation for advising private clients and family groups on complex financial and structural matters,” said Anderson.
“I’m looking forward to contributing to that work and supporting a team that’s firmly established as a leader in the Adelaide market.”
Rudy Pieck, who is managing partner of BDO’s Adelaide Office, said Anderson’s appointment reflects the momentum they are building in Adelaide.
“As demand grows for trusted advisers who understand the complexities of private wealth and family enterprise, Nick’s experience and values make him a natural fit for our expanding team,” he said.
New rugby CEO tackles expansion goals
Rugby Union South Australia (RUSA) has announced the appointment of Lochie Lawrence as CEO.
Lochie Lawrence
Lawrence joins Rugby Union South Australia from Brothers Rugby Club in Brisbane, where he has been CEO for the past three years.
Before this, he was at Classic Wallabies for seven and a half years, firstly as acting general manager, then as head of operations and events and finally as treasurer.
“Lawrence brings to the table diverse career experience in a variety of industries, but most recently has been a professional sports administrator working in rugby,” said RUSA board chair Brett Smith.
“Lawrence’s experiences within the world of Rugby will see him focus on growing the game sustainably in South Australia, aiming to help the Union capitalise on Australia’s ‘Golden Decade’ in collaboration with RUSA’s clubs and Rugby Australia’s vision.”
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Chief Executive Officer for Centennial Park. A rare opportunity to work alongside a highly progressive, independent Board, building on the unique legacy of South Australia’s premier cemetery to shape a vibrant future and place for community connection. Chief Executive Officer for highly respected not-for-profit charity Motor Neurone Disease Association of SA (MNDSA). Lead a highly dedicated team making a difference to those living with the impact of MND. Executive Leader Regulation for statutory authority ReturnToWorkSA. This ELT role is pivotal in protecting scheme integrity and in regulating SA’s return to work insurance scheme, making a meaningful contribution to reduce the impact of work injury on our community. Director of Primary Years Programme (PYP), Teaching and Learning for Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School, leading the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) within a growing, warm, vibrant and connected learning community. General Manager Finance for Greyhound Racing SA, the controlling body of greyhound racing in SA. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board and a dynamic team, this key advisory role oversees corporate, commercial and financial governance. Corporate Governance Officer for Australian Gas Infrastructure Group. Provide high-level support to the Group’s Company Secretarial Team and Boards of Australia’s leading gas infrastructure group. Deputy Registrar (part-time) for Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia. A diverse and rewarding role with the independent statutory authority regulating veterinary treatment, offering the flexibility of 3 days per week. |
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Nexus finds next leaders
Zhao Liang and Kim Roberts will lead Nexus Arts as co-CEOs, following the departure of outgoing CEO and artistic director Emily Tulloch.
Liang is an Adelaide-based musician, composer and artistic producer who founded the School of Chinese Music & Arts in 2005, where she is its artistic principal.
Zhao Liang
She was formerly a freelance treasurer at ActNow Theatre, a state coordinator at Musica Viva Australia and a program coordinator at Nexus Arts.
Liang also has a background in local government, having served as program support manager at the City of Salisbury and a finance analyst at the City of Playford.
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“Although I was born in Singapore, my artistic practice has been very much born and bred in South Australia and hugely supported by Nexus Arts throughout the years,” said Liang.
“As I step into this role, I do so with great honour and deep respect for the work of our predecessor, Emily Tulloch. I hope to build on her legacy by continuing to foster a space for intercultural collaboration. Now more than ever, I will strive to amplify our voice across South Australia and beyond.”
Kim Roberts
Nexus Arts said Roberts is a musician and an experienced leader in arts strategy, advocacy and organisational development.
Alongside her new role, Roberts will continue as general manager of the Arts Industry Council of South Australia, where she has been for the past three years.
Before this, she was head of training and then general manager of Music SA and spent 22 years doing festival and event coordination at various festivals including Groovin’ the Moo, the Big Day Out and the SA Music Awards.
“It’s a real privilege to be stepping into this shared leadership role with Zhao at such an exciting moment for Nexus Arts,” said Roberts.
“This organisation has long been a leader in championing diverse voices and bold ideas. I’m energised by the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional team to deepen our impact, amplify artists from all backgrounds, and shape a future where intercultural creativity thrives at every level.”
Nexus Arts is an intercultural contemporary arts organisation based in Adelaide, South Australia.
Aquinas College appoints first female leader
Dr Sarah Moller has been appointed as the new head of college at Aquinas College, becoming the first female head in the college’s history.
Dr Sarah Moller
Moller joined Aquinas College in 2017 and has held roles ranging from academic director to vice-rector and acting head of college since October 2024.
Before beginning at Aquinas College, Moller was a senior teacher at O’Loughlin Catholic College, a visual arts teacher at Loreto College and a youth minister at Saint Ignatius’ College.
“I believe passionately in the mission of our College and the quality of the Aquinas experience; taking on leadership of this special family on a long-term basis is a blessing, an honour and a privilege,” said Moller.
Leadership change at THRF Group board
Rilka Warbanoff has been appointed as chair of The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRF Group) after professor Stephen Rodda completed his term.
Rilka Warbanoff
THRF Group said Warbanoff is an entrepreneur, author, radio personality and community leader with more than four decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector
She is currently the CEO of Rilka’s Real Food and is on the board of the South Australian arm of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
She previously served on THRF Group’s Creative Health Board of Governors.
Meanwhile, John Godwin has been appointed as THRF Group’s deputy chair.
THRF Group said Godwin has expertise in strategic advisory and business growth for the defence and space sectors.
John Godwin
Godwin is a former naval officer who spent 13 and a half years as a weapons electrical engineer in the Royal Australian Navy.
He is the co-founder and managing director of defence and space consultancy Cambrian Executive, as well as chair of Military and Emergency Services Health Australia.
Key change for Coriole Music Festival
The McLaren Vale Music Festival Association (MVMFA) has announced the appointment of Kate Suthers as the new artistic director of the Coriole Music Festival.
Kate Suthers
Suthers takes over from Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s principal cellist Simon Cobcroft, who has recently finished his three-year tenure as the festival’s artistic director.
Suthers is a violinist who is currently the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster.
She studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and has held positions at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Orchestra.
Suthers will curate her first program for the 2026 Coriole Music Festival, which will take place at the Coriole Vineyards in McLaren Vale from May 16 to 17.
“We warmly welcome Kate as Artistic Director as we look to the future while celebrating and acknowledging the Coriole Music Festival family who has helped shape the event over the last 25 years,” said Mark de Raad, who is chair of MVMFA.
New board members to take care of business
The South Australian Business Chamber has appointed Susan Stone and Gerry Cawson to its Board of Directors.
The Chamber said Stone is a globally recognised economist with expertise in trade policy, economic development and regional integration.
Susan Stone
Stone is currently the Credit Union SA chair of economics at the University of South Australia.
She previously spent five years at the OECD in Paris, firstly as a senior advisor and then as head of division on emerging policy issues.
Before this, she was a director of the trade, investment and innovation division at the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Chamber said Cawson has 30 years as a corporate lawyer, with a focus on governance, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.
Gerry Cawson
Cawson has been a director at Kain Lawyers for the past 13 years, where he is head of private mergers and acquisitions and capital raising.
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“We are delighted to welcome Susan and Gerry to the Board,” said South Australian Business Chamber chair Sascha Detmold Cox.
“Both bring invaluable experience and diverse perspectives that complement our current Board structure, and will help support our mission to build a stronger, more competitive South Australian business community.”
Olympic cyclist’s final ride
Road cyclist Simon Clarke will retire after a 17-year career as a professional cyclist.
Simon Clarke
Clarke will compete in his final race at the Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) in January next year,
Clarke is a two-time Olympian whose career includes three stage wins at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España – where he also won the mountains jersey – as well as second place in the Amstel Gold Race.
He has also served as a domestique and road captain on several teams throughout his career.
“Cycling has given me so much, and I’ll always be grateful for the journey,” said Clarke.
“There’s no better way to close this chapter than racing at home, in front of family, friends and Aussie fans who’ve supported me from the very beginning.”
Farewell to Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation chair
Andrew Kay will finish his tenure as chair of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation on June 30.
Andrew Kay
Committee member Libby Raupach OAM will serve as interim chair before a permanent chair is found to replace Kay.
Kay will also continue to serve on the board of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.
“It has been a privilege to serve in this role over the past six years,” said Kay.
“Together, we have strengthened the Foundation’s strategy, expanded our philanthropic reach, and supported bold, transformative initiatives – from inspiring cultural experiences like Chihuly in the Botanic Garden to vital investments in scientific research and education, such as the Biodiversity and Conservation Scholarship.”
Emily Drewniak
The Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium’s head of development, Emily Drewniak, will also complete her contract at the same time as Kay’s departure.
Drewniak will begin a new role at Bush Heritage Australia.
“Emily’s leadership has been a driving force behind the Foundation’s growth and impact,” said Kay.
“From launching new initiatives to securing philanthropic support for landmark projects, her contribution has been remarkable.”
Farmer to chair RDALC
Robyn Verrall has been announced as the new chair of Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC).
Robyn Verrall
Verrall is a farmer and business owner of Bully’s Meats and is based in the Upper South East.
She is currently chair of agribusiness, food, wine and beverage at the SA Skills Commission, a board member of SA Leaders for Gender Equity South Australia and has been a longstanding member of the Steering Committee for RDLAC’s leadership program.
RDALC said Verrall is a passionate advocate for regional Australia and has spent her career advocating for positive change in agriculture, economic development and community empowerment.
“As RDALC Chair, Robyn is eager to continue advocating for regional communities, with a focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and economic diversification,” said RDALC.
“Her long-term goal is to support strategies that foster meaningful jobs, sustainable growth, and empower our community to thrive.”
A mighty shake-up on board of video game developer
Shannon Robinson and Andrew Scott Cole have joined the board of video game developer Mighty Kingdom Ltd as non-executive directors, taking over from Chris Whiteman and Mark Aubrey.
Shannon Robinson
Mighty Kingdom said Robinson has 20 years of experience as a company director and corporate lawyer.
Robinson is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, who is currently non-executive chair of software developer Yojee Limited, as well as chair of industrial machinery manufacturer FBR Limited.
Mighty Kingdom said Cole is an experienced corporate executive who is currently a consultant for the video game developer, assisting with a review of finance matters and implementing additional controls and governance.
Jumping on board at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental
Elena Krotiris
Adelaide Contemporary Experimental has announced the appointment of Elena Krotiris, Samuel McDonough, Jenny Paradiso and Edward Sinclair to its board.
The four take over from longstanding board members Anton Andreacchio, Gemma Harris and Becci Love, who recently completed their terms.
Samuel McDonough
Krotiris is a chartered accountant who has been a director at professional service firm Holman Hodge for the past 10 years.
McDonough is a barrister who has been with Len King Chambers for the past five years.
Paradiso is a businesswoman who is currently a mentor and facilitator for the Flex Entrepreneur Group at behind closed doors and a judge of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
Jenny Paradiso
Sinclair is an investment manager who has worked for a private philanthropic trust for the past seven months.
“We’re delighted to welcome Samuel, Elena, Jenny, and Edward to the ACE Board,” said ACE chair Amanda Pepe.
“Each brings valuable expertise and a fresh perspective to the organisation.
Edward Sinclair
“Their collective experience across law, finance, entrepreneurship, and investment will support ACE’s ongoing commitment to artists and contemporary practice in South Australia.
“Anton, Gemma, and Becci have made lasting contributions to ACE. They brought clarity, care and commitment to every conversation and have all had a profound influence on ACE’s direction.”
