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.
Barrister to fill vacancy on Magistrates Court
Barrister Sally Giles has been permanently appointed to the Magistrates Court after recently finishing a three-month term as a Deputy Coroner.
Sally Giles
Giles, who is currently a barrister at Barry Jennings Chambers, fills a vacancy left by the retirement of Magistrate Simon Smart.
Giles has more than 15 years of experience in the legal profession, including as a solicitor and trial counsel with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and as a prosecutor for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
She also worked as special counsel to the Coroner and Deputy State Coroner on several high-profile inquests.
“As a prosecutor, a barrister, Coroner and counsel assisting, Sally Giles has proven herself time and time again to be a highly capable member of the legal profession,” said Attorney-General Kyam Maher.
Permanent CEO for LGA Mutual
Nathan Petrus has been appointed as CEO of LGA Mutual, having served as acting CEO since early 2025.
Nathan Petrus
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LGA South Australia said Petrus has more than two decades of experience in the public sector.
Prior to taking up the CEO role, Petrus spent five years as executive director of member services at LGA South Australia.
Before this, he spent nearly 17 years at the Essential Services Commission of South Australia, including most recently as director of consumer protection and pricing.
“Nathan has already made a strong impact, helping sharpen LGA Mutual’s focus on service delivery, responsiveness and value for members,” said LGA South Australia’s CEO Clinton Jury.
“His leadership will help strengthen LGA Mutual’s services and support for the sector.”
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Two senior leadership roles with Lutheran Homes Group (LHG), a leading, growing and highly respected values-based not-for-profit provider of services for senior Australians in South Australia and regional Victoria: General Manager Home and Community Support, based in Adelaide, this pivotal leadership role will lead LHG’s dedicated Home and Community support team to shape the future growth of community-based aged care. General Manager Residential Care (Horsham), leading LHG’s newly acquired residential facility in Horsham, regional Victoria. A unique tree change opportunity for an accomplished aged care leader to provide impactful transformational leadership while joining a connected community in stunning, well-equipped Horsham, just 4-5 hours from both Melbourne and Adelaide. Manager Governance and Legal Services for the City of Salisbury, one of SA’s largest local government areas with a growing economy. This important role reports to the CEO and leads a dedicated governance team across information assets, council governance, corporate governance, audit and risk and legal services. General Manager Finance & Facilities for the Can:Do Group, a not-for-profit encompassing two of South Australia’s oldest charitable service providers. Reporting to the Group Chief Executive, this leadership role provides financial expertise and leads a passionate team, impacting a bright future for the Can:Do 4Kids community. Human Resources Manager for dynamic and fast-growing multi-national organisation, Clarke Energy. This diverse and newly created standalone role provides both comprehensive advisory and hands-on operational support to the leadership team in the Australian business unit and offers an attractive remuneration package. |
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Passing on the baton at Hill-Smith Family Estates
Hill-Smith Family Estates has announced the appointment of Kiera Grant as chair of its board, where she has been a non-executive director since 2014.
Kiera Grant
Hill-Smith Family Estates said that Grant has 20 years of experience in investment banking, including 11 years as an executive director at UBS Investment Bank in Sydney.
Grant is currently a non-executive director of Perennial Partners, Adairs Retail Group, Future Generation Global and Samuel Smith & Son, as well as a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW.
“Kiera has served with distinction and enthusiasm on our Board, and I am thrilled that she has accepted our invitation to become Chair,” said outgoing chair Robert Hill-Smith.
“We look forward to the future under Kiera’s guidance as a wine enthusiast and an eminently qualified professional who is committed to our family business.”
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National Trust of South Australia CEO resigns
Simon Ambrose has resigned as CEO of the National Trust of South Australia (the Trust) following a year and a half at its helm.
Simon Ambrose
Ambrose, who joined the non-profit in March 2024, will relocate with his family to Perth after his final day at the Trust on June 20.
The Trust said that Ambrose played a key role in stabilising operations, strengthening governance and progressing several important strategic initiatives.
He also oversaw the launch of the Trust’s 2025-28 Strategic Plan.
“We acknowledge Simon’s decision with understanding and thank him for his efforts during what has been a particularly demanding period for the organisation,” said Alice Fitch, who is vice president of the Trust.
“His work to stabilise operations and guide the Trust through several key initiatives has been greatly valued.”
Spacetalk appoints company secretary
Adelaide-based technology company Spacetalk Ltd has announced the appointment of Hasaka Martin as company secretary, taking over from Kim Larkin.
Hasaka Martin
Spacetalk said Martin has more than 15 years of experience working with ASX-listed companies, including at several corporate service providers.
He is the founder of Singleton CoSec, which provides company secretarial services to ASX-listed companies.
Martin is also a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a chartered secretary and holds postgraduate qualifications in corporate and securities law.
Jumping on board at Australian Dance Theatre
Contemporary dance company Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) chair Jayne Boase has announced the appointment of Jennifer Layther to the company’s board for a three-year term.
Jennifer Layther
Layther brings 30 years of experience at Arts South Australia (now CreateSA) to the role, including 14 years in senior leadership roles.
“Jennifer is an incredible advocate and supporter of the arts in South Australia – there isn’t a company or organisation that she hasn’t supported,” said ADT’s executive director Nick Hayes.
“To be able to draw on her incredible sector knowledge, deep understanding and appreciation of the artmaking process, and passion for our work, is a tremendous privilege.”
