As an experienced board advisor with exposure to many different boards, I bring expertise in working with the chair and the board in situations which have included:
- Enhancing the performance of good boards.
- Structural misalignment within the governance framework.
- Difficult issues.
- Conflict between directors and between the board and the executive.
- Boards in crisis.
I work with the chair, using practical solutions, to bring about change.
During my career and particularly while working as a consultant to many boards, I have:
- Developed a range of knowledge and skills which I can adapt to different organisations.
- Developed a broad understanding of many different industry sectors.
- Gained expertise in developing strategy gained through operational experience and consulting to boards.
- Identified risks (both negative and opportunistic) within an organisation.
- Gained thorough knowledge of corporate governance and how to use governance to enhance performance of the organisation.
- Applied governance principles effectively and efficiently in client boardrooms.
- Gained insight into the operations of numerous and diverse boardrooms around Australia and understand how to be effective in environments where multiple and sometimes conflicting perspectives are prevalent.
- Rapidly acquired an understanding of different industry sectors and the factors which influence organisations in each sector.
- Demonstrated my ability to influence people at very senior level to ensure that the most effective and appropriate decisions are made.
Board Member
Since December 2014
Youth Emergency Services
Chair
November 2010 – September 2014
Board Member
2007 – 2014
A complex of 42 holiday units built in 1992. The Body Corporate Committee ensures that the complex is maintained to an appropriate standard and makes strategic decisions to ensure the sustainability of the building.
Chair
Since March 2013
Member
Since March 2012
CONSULTING EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS
Effective Governance (2004 – 2014)
An independent, privately owned consulting firm that provides advice on corporate governance to the boards of ASX-listed companies, government owned enterprises, private companies, family owned businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and university councils in Australia and New Zealand.
Chief Executive
July 2011 – August 2014
Senior Board Advisor
August 2004 – June 2011
As CEO, I have grown the firm’s client base by consistently delivering high quality services, which has led to a high client retention rate and enabled the firm to secure new clients through referrals.
As CEO and Senior Board Advisor, I have:
• Provided frameworks to enable boards to develop five-year strategic plans and challenged boards to ensure that the goals they set were realistic and achievable.
• Increased the awareness of boards of risk and the risk culture within their organisations which has stimulated them to evaluate their business risks and identify the issues that need to be addressed by senior management.
• Provided boards with an understanding of the competency gaps that need to be filled to enable organisations to meet emerging challenges.
• Enhanced the relationship between the board and CEO through confidential review processes to identify the positive aspects as well as areas for change in the relationship, including management in the review process with recommendations for change being provided.
• Created more efficient and effective board meeting structures and reduced the time requirements of the directors.
• Enhanced the governance of organisations by conducting professional development sessions for directors to increase their knowledge and understanding of their individual and collective roles and obligations.
OPERATIONAL EXPERTISE WITH WH&S FOCUS
WorkCover Queensland (1988* – 2002)
Business Strategy Advisor
Common Law October 2001 – June 2002
Ensured that the business units provided a high level of service; provided high-level policy advice to senior executives and Ministerial staff; and assisted in drafting legislation.
Other Roles:
Group Manager
Common Law June 1999 – June 2001
Led a team of 50 who resolved common law claims with a claims expenditure of $230m a year.
Regional Manager, Insurance Services
November 1997 – June 1999
Led geographically dispersed teams with a total of 90 staff throughout SE Queensland who delivered underwriting and claims management services.
Principal Damages Claims Officer
March 1997 – April 1998
Provided technical support, including legislative interpretation, to a team of common law case managers to ensure the early and appropriate resolution of claims. Responsible for quality claims outcomes, monitoring and for addressing service delivery issues of external providers of legal and investigative services.
Principal Policy and Legislation Officer
September 1996 – February 1997
Provided input into the drafting of legislation, which included reviewing drafts to ensure accuracy.
Damages Claims Officer
February 1995 – August 1996
Worked with employers and external lawyers to resolve common law claims and proceed to resolution by courts, where necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Business Administration
University of Queensland
Completed in 2002 – 2004
Company Directors Course
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Completed in 2006
Certificate in Financial Markets
Securities Institute of Australia
Completed in 1994
MEMBERSHIPS
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Graduate Member
Australian Institute of Management
Governance Institute of Australia
The Brisbane Club
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