Guidance and support grounded in experience.

The CEO Circle Group Chairs.

Our Chairs are experienced leaders who have sat at the highest levels of business and understand, firsthand, what the role demands.

Their depth of knowledge shapes every conversation, providing context, perspective and a level of understanding that cannot be manufactured or taught.

Our Chairs are not there to provide answers, but to hold the space for open and frank conversations, creating an environment grounded in trust, discretion and mutual respect. This allows our members to speak openly and think clearly alongside peers who understand the weight of the role.

Through thoughtful facilitation, our Chairs are able to draw out insights, challenge thinking and ensure that each discussion leads to greater clarity, confidence and informed decision-making.

Mr Michael Bargholz

Group Chair

Ms Gabrielle Coyne

Group Chair

Mr Marcelo Bastos

Group Chair

Ms Elizabeth Johnstone

Group Chair

Mr David Botta

Group Chair

Ms Philippa Kelly

Group Chair

Mr John Churchill

Group Chair

Ms Janette Kendall AM

Group Chair

Mr Alan Crookes

Group Chair

Ms Annette Kimmitt AM

Group Chair

Mr Michael Doery

Group Chair

Ms Libby Roy

Group Chair

Mr Philippe Etienne

Group Chair

Ms Sandra Sully AM

Group Chair

Mr Mike Ferraro

Group Chair

Mr Andrew Reitzer

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Mr Peter Scott

Group Chair

Mr Daniel Wong

Group Chair
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"Always start with the end in mind"

Mr Daniel Wong

Group Chair

Daniel has an extensive business career spanning over 30 years with experience in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, operational turnarounds, special situations investing, and board governance across Australia and Asia. He was the Co-Founding Partner of Anchorage Capital Partners.

During his career, Daniel has led numerous complex investments, restructurings, and transformations across a broad range of industries. He is recognised for his strategic and commercially disciplined approach, with a strong track record of driving operational improvement and sustainable value creation.

Working closely with CEOs and executive leadership teams, Daniel has defined strategy, navigated periods of change, and built high-performing organisations. He has a particular passion for mentoring CEOs and senior executives, supporting them not only in strategic and operational leadership, but also in developing strong emotional intelligence, self-awareness, communication skills, and organisational culture to build engaged and high-performing teams.

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Fellow of CPA Australia. He is married with two adult children, and his interests include family, travel, health and lifelong learning.

"Great leadership starts and ends with culture"

Ms Philippa Kelly

Group Chair

Philippa is an experienced chair and non-executive director with a portfolio spanning ASX-listed, private and membership based organisations. She brings deep board-level insight across property, funds and investment management, financial services and education, with particular strength in strategic repositioning and guiding businesses through periods of growth and change.

Originally trained as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer, Philippa later built her career in investment banking with JBWere before moving into C-suite roles across the real estate sector and funds management.

This combination of legal, financial and operational experience underpins her practical, commercially grounded approach in the boardroom.

Philippa currently serves on the boards of oOh!media and Australian Super amongst others.  She has held a number of significant governance roles, including Deputy Chancellor of Deakin University and Chair of Lifestyle Communities.

She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and CISI, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Deakin University and is a member of Chief Executive Women.

“Being surrounded by great people who buy into the strategy and bring discretionary effort willingly to the table. It’s about people, treating them well, respecting them and giving them opportunities to grow and flourish.”

Mr Mike Ferraro

Group Chair

Mike started his career in a large law firm, moved into investment banking in Melbourne and London and then returned to Melbourne in 1991 where he joined Herbert Smith Freehills (then Freehill Hollingdale and Page) in the Corporate M&A group.

From 1996 to 2005, Mike had leadership roles at HSF whilst running a commercial legal practice in industrial and financial services focused on equity markets, joint ventures and M&A. Subsequently he was appointed one of 3 managing partners at HSF and global head of Corporate and a member of its executive management committee, with a break for 2 plus years as chief legal counsel at BHP.

In his legal roles he spent significant periods overseas overseeing practice groups in over 20 global locations from Western Europe into SE Asia and China as well as undertaking cross border transactions and engaging with foreign regulators. He also spent considerable time restructuring the law firm in Australia and parts of the London HSF office.

After 7 years Mike stepped down as CEO and Managing Director of Alumina Ltd in August 2024 on its AUD 5 billion plus acquisition by Alcoa Corp. Alumina invested in bauxite mines and/or alumina refineries in WA, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Guinea and Brazil.

“Leaders need to make complex things simpler to engage people and make lives and businesses better.”

Mr Marcelo Bastos

Group Chair

Marcelo is an independent non-executive director of AngloAmerican PLC, Aurizon Holdings Ltd, Iluka Resources Ltd.

He was formerly President/CEO of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, President of Nickel Americas BHP and Nickel West BHP Australia, he was also COO of MMG – China MinMetals company. Prior to those BHP and MMG roles based in Australia, Marcelo was also Global Director Copper of Vale, based in Brazil.

All of the above roles had Global responsibility.

Marcelo holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Post Graduate qualifications in Strategy, and MBA. He attended the Advanced Management Program at Columbia Business School and Strategy at Kellogg Business School in the US, Strategy Insead in France and Management at Cranfield School of Management in the UK. He has been a member of The CEO Circle for over 10 years.

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."

Marcus Aurelius

Ms Libby Roy

Group Chair

Libby is known for business turnarounds and successfully leading organisations that have plateaued and need to find the next growth trajectory. Key to her success has been her ability to build engaged team members around a purpose and leverage technology to drive innovative solutions that meet customer needs. She has a track record of delivering growth and bottom-line results both organically and via acquisitions.

Libby’s experience covers a range of industries from technology, financial services, telecommunications and travel having held senior roles with Bravura Solutions, Optus, PayPal, American Express and AMP. As CEO of Bravura, Libby recapitalised the business and led a global turn-around strategy. As MD Optus Business, she was responsible for revitalising the business divisions and increasing market share through COVID. And as the MD of PayPal ANZ, Libby and her team doubled the size of the business. Prior to this Libby was a Principal with Booz Allen, a leading multinational strategy consulting firm, leading engagements in Australia, US and Asia.

While Libby has worked across a range of industries there are some commonalities in which she has developed a wealth of experience. These businesses are all highly regulated and have required strong governance and broad stakeholder management across both government and industry groups. In addition, all these businesses have been heavily dependent on leveraging technology, data and embracing digital transformation to drive growth. Libby has served as both an executive and non-executive director on a range of companies and dealt with activist investors.

Libby believes that organisations with a meaningful purpose that underpins the strategy and delivers to all stakeholders – customers, employees and shareholders – is critical for sustainable long-term growth and success. In the organisations that Libby has led she has put this into practice, including leveraging organisational assets to deliver not only on financial objectives but also to contribute to society. In 2018 Libby set up the PayPal Giving Fund in Australia to facilitate charity in the digital age and has had active roles in supporting joint industry and government initiatives to develop STEM capability and the Fintech industry in Australia.

Libby is also a member of Chief Executive Women and International Women’s Federation and looks to support other women in managing their careers successfully. At Optus she sponsored the development of its first ever women’s network, Elevate. Libby started her career as an Occupational Therapist and Fitness instructor and to this day has a passion for health and wellness as a key pillar in managing stress and enabling success. Libby believes that key to her success has been bringing a supportive and empathic approach to people development from the health sector into her subsequent business roles.

"Great leaders are authentic, compassionate and courageous, and have the superpower to unleash the potential in others."

Ms Janette Kendall AM

Group Chair

Janette Kendall is an experienced company director with over 25 years of board experience across public, private and not for profit boards spanning a diverse range of industries including marketing and technology, media, communications, retail, property, horticulture, and the arts.

Janette is currently a Non-executive Director of ASX listed Vicinity Centres, Tabcorp and Costa Group. She also serves on the boards of KM Property Funds, Visit Victoria, the Melbourne Football Club and Chairs the Advisory Board of WeAre8, a for-purpose social media platform.

Her experience has been working with organisations facing disruption, undergoing transformation, expanding through acquisition or entering new global markets. All have required a strong focus on strategy, risk management and governance.

Her past executive experience, both in Australia and China, combined marketing, digital, and operations. Janette has significant expertise in strategic planning, digital innovation, marketing and leadership across a number of industry sectors including digital & technology, marketing & communications, media, retail, FMCG, hospitality, gaming, property and manufacturing.

Over her executive career she was a Director of Clemenger BBDO, Managing Director of Clemenger Digital, CEO emitch, GM Pacific Brands (Holeproof) and CMO at Crown Melbourne. Her last executive role was spent living and working in China as Senior Vice President, Marketing at Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Janette holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and was awarded an Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2026 Honours list for significant service to business, to the arts, to the marketing sector, and to the community.

“It is the core role of a CEO to leave the organisation more enduringly capable than when they arrived. This can only be done by developing those around you to be the best they can be.”

Ms Gabrielle Coyne

Group Chair

Gabrielle Coyne is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Chief Executive. She has over 20 years’ experience in Senior Executive roles in consumer and education publishing both in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

With skills and expertise in brand, product development, marketing and understanding the consumer, she led more than 12 years of growth at Penguin in Australia and then as CEO of Penguin Asia Pacific and Penguin Random House Asia Pacific.

Prior to leading the merger of Penguin and Random House in the region, she drove the development and implementation of the digital and technology transformation required to successfully implement new distribution and content models in a rapidly changing industry.

With a focus on financial services, education and consumer and product-led industries Gabrielle is now a consultant, mentor and Non-Executive Director.

“Instead of aiming for success, focus on being of value.”

Mr Michael Doery

Group Chair

Michael’s career commenced at KPMG where he rose to Partner and during his time with the organisation was involved in several of their professional services, including audit, risk management, consulting, tax and accounting.

He then became CEO & Managing Director of Service Stream Limited, an ASX-listed industrial managed services, call centre and telco provider. During his six years with the company Michael was also an Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Most recently, Michael spent nine years as Managing Director & CEO with Viatek Pty Ltd, a provider of managed print services, telecommunications, IT services and office automation.

Michael has an extensive Non-Executive career and he is currently Chairman of TSFI Holdings Limited, in the property investment and management sector. He is also a Director of engineering consultancy firm, Beveridge Williams Pty Ltd and Chairman of The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

Previous directorships include ASX-listed OMI Limited in the medical services sector, A-Gas Australia Pty Ltd, coolant gas capture and recycling, and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation a for-purpose organisation in the health and education sectors.

Michael has also worked extensively in the Not for Profit sector including the educational sector, community groups and provision of assistance to the homeless and socially disadvantaged.

Michael’s years of tertiary education earned him a Bachelor of Finance Admin., Finance, Accounting & Administration from the University of New England.

“As a long-time advocate for gender equality in the media industry, I am passionate about supporting and empowering women in their professional journeys.”

Ms Sandra Sully AM

Group Chair

Sandra Sully is an Australian journalist and broadcaster, and since 2011 has been the news presenter and editor for Ten News First, Sydney. Currently Sandra presents both the Queensland and New South Wales bulletins weeknights. Prior to this she anchored Network Ten’s Ten Late News with Sports Tonight for nearly two decades.

Sandra has hosted major Network news events including the Federal Budget, the Royal Wedding coverage from London and Oprah Winfrey’s Big ‘O’ event at the Botanical Gardens. She also co-hosted TEN’s interactive, real-life crime series Wanted.

Sandra’s engaging warmth, style and versatility have enabled her to cover numerous global events such as Commonwealth and Olympic Games, as well as becoming the first woman to co-host the iconic Melbourne Cup/Spring Carnival, a role she filled for seven years.

For the past eight years she has been on the Board of Hockey Australia and is currently Vice President. One of the highlights has been gaining a profound understanding and appreciation for good governance, as well as the politics and dynamics of administering a national and iconic Australian Sport.

Sandra was awarded the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours in 2024 for her significant service to the media, charitable organisations, and to the community.

Sandra tries to understand the world around her; what makes people tick and how News impacts us all in different ways. She pursues interests that are authentic and yet still challenge her, and is fascinated by people, and hearing and sharing great stories.

“You don’t train people, you give people experiences.”

Mr Peter Scott

Group Chair

Peter started his career as an engineer and has over 20 years’ senior business experience and a considerable breadth of expertise in the engineering, property and finance sectors. He was formally the CEO of MLC and head of National Australia Bank’s Wealth Management Division and he held a number of senior positions with Lend Lease Corporation including CEO of Civil and Civic.

Peter is currently a non-executive Director of the Transurban Group and is a Director of O’Connell Street Associates.

His pro-bono activities include being Chair of Igniting Change Limited, a not-for-profit organisation, and a Fellow of the Senate of the University of Sydney.

He was previously a Non-executive Director of Perpetual Limited between 2005 and 2017 and was Chairman for seven years. Between 2014 and 2017, he was Chairman of Perpetual Equity Investment Company Limited.

Other Non Executive director roles he has held include being a Non-executive Director of Stockland Corporation Limited between 2005 and 2016 and Chairman of SKM between 2007 and 2013.

Peter is married with two adult children and his interests include his family, sailing, sport and music.

“Long-term, sustainable growth and innovation only happens when, as a leader, you inspire deep commitment to your organisation’s purpose and strategy.”

Ms Annette Kimmitt AM

Group Chair

Annette’s executive career has spanned a range of senior leadership and regulatory roles in Australia and internationally, including at CEO-level, with Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission, MinterEllison, Ernst & Young and, prior to EY, the International Accounting Standards Board and Australian Accounting Standards Board.

She has an extensive local and international track record in designing and implementing complex transformations of local, regional and global businesses, go-to-market functions, government agencies and entire regulatory systems.

Annette has also contributed to a range of government, policy, NGO and think tank advisory boards and committees. She has been a member of: The Business Council of Australia’s Economic and Policy Competitiveness Committee; The University of Melbourne Faculty of Business and Economics Advisory Board; The National Gallery of Victoria Business Advisory Council; the Victorian Government’s Industry Skills Committee; and the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

In addition to a professional and executive career spanning 40-years, Annette has 15 years’ experience as a non-executive director in highly regulated industries including aviation, funds management and education.

Annette is a Monash University Fellow and was awarded an Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours list for significant service to business and to gender equality and inclusion.

“Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then take the initiative and do it for them.”

Mr Michael Bargholz

Group Chair

I loved studying economics at Monash University so my first professional role was as Economist with the Commonwealth Treasury in Canberra. I transitioned to the private sector and investment markets in roles including Chief Economist and Investment Strategist.

After nearly fifteen years in technical investment roles I followed my passion to work with people rather than portfolios and switched to business leadership in 1997.

In the last twenty years I have been blessed with four leadership roles, each with unique challenges: MD of AXA New Zealand Investment Management; CEO of AllianceBernstein Investment Management Australia; MD of Fidelity Investments in Australia and most recently CEO of BT Investment Management Australia.

Through the years I have most enjoyed:

Strategy Leadership: Working with stakeholders –including Boards and JV partners- and across borders to develop a vision and strategy for business growth. My executive teams have met challenges through all points in the business cycle from start up, turn around, growth and downsizing.

People Leadership: attracting developing and retaining high calibre and collaborative teams with shared values, vision, strategy and goals.

Client Focus: A leader has to listen and understand client’s needs to create long-term productive partnerships.

Innovation and change management: It is critical to communicate the need for change then inspire teams to embrace and drive change.

“Leadership is all about trusting and inspiring the people we lead to unleash their full potential.”

Mr Alan Crookes

Group Chair

Alan has 40 years’ experience in the banking & financial services industry, recently retiring after 26 years at BMW Group Financial Services (COO, CFO, CEO of Australia)

Most notably, in 2005 Alan was promoted to Head of BMW Group Financial Services Asia Pacific Region where he oversaw:

The development of a significant number of its current and future global leaders
The acquisition & integration of companies in Malaysia & Hong Kong and the establishment of new entities including Russia, India & China
Successful introduction of insourcing Japan back office operations into Australia despite the industry trend/norm of outsourcing
Consistent yearly profitability growth and growth of the regional portfolio outstanding’s from €5 bn to €24 bn as at end of 2016
In addition to leading the fastest growing region in the world, Alan played a significant role in the Management Committee at global headquarters in Munich, contributing to the overall success of BMW Group Financial Services worldwide.

Regarded as a visionary, innovative and authentic business leader, Alan has a strong focus on people and empowering leadership.

Alan currently provides consulting services to the financial industry and continues to passionately mentor developing leaders in Australia and Internationally.

“It is the core role of a CEO to leave the organisation more enduringly capable than when they arrived. This can only be done by developing those around you to be the best they can be.”

Mr Philippe Etienne

Group Chair

Philippe is an independent non-executive director of Cleanaway Waste Management, Lynas Corporation, Aristocrat Leisure and Chairman of Quantem.

He was formerly Managing Director and CEO of Innovia Security, the UK/Australia joint venture commercialising polymer banknote technology across the world. Philippe was appointed to that role to resurrect the company’s reputation, strategy and culture, following a significant corruption case under the former management.

Prior to joining Innovia Security, Philippe was the CEO of Orica Mining Services, the world’s largest commercial explosives company and was a member of Orica’s Group Executive Committee. His long career with Orica and ICI Australia included three years in Germany as Managing Director of Orica Europe, Middle East, Africa and three years in the USA as Senior VP Planning & Strategy, and then Global SVP Manufacturing & Supply Chain for Orica’s explosives business.

Philippe holds a BSc in Physiology and Pharmacology, Post Graduate qualifications in Marketing, and an MBA. He attended the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School in 2007 and was a member of The CEO Circle for over ten years.

“The ability to communicate a clear and simple strategy is fundamental to leading a business in today’s environment.”

Mr David Botta

Group Chair

David has a business career spanning over 35 years in Australia, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. He has worked across a variety of industries, including the retail sector.

From 1996-1997, David was the Retail Director Nike Australia, responsible for eight stores. During this time, he successfully opened a chain of factory stores. In 1997 David moved to Nike Europe as Retail Director with responsibility for 2 Nike Towns and 52 factory stores. He was responsible for establishing the first pan-European retailer.

In 2001, David moved back to Australia in the role of CEO for Jeanswest, a retail business with 220 stores and revenue of $185m. In his five years with this company he turned Jeanswest into a leader in denim retailing. During this time David also took the business to the UAE, opening 18 stores.

David’s next move was to Colorado Group, a private equity-backed retail organisation encompassing five major retail labels with a total of 480 stores, 3,500 employees and revenue of $500m. In the three years with the business, David was responsible for restructuring the group to realign organisational structure and group sourcing.He also led profitable recoveries of two of the company’s labels – JAG and Diana Ferrari.

More recently, David has worked in a variety of roles focussed on the retail and wholesale industries spanning fashion, footwear, airport, sporting and online retailing across the disciplines of operations, marketing, product and sourcing.

David recently sold quality management company, Qualspec Global which had extensive operations in Asia.

“Strategic alignment both internally and externally is the key to success for most organisations.”

Mr Andrew Reitzer

Group Chair

Andrew was born in Johannesburg and grew up in Cape Town. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of South Africa and followed that with an MBL from the same University.

While studying part-time, Andrew worked in the family’s clothing business.

From there, he went straight to Metro Cash & Carry in 1979 when it first established the Lucky 7 banner, similar to the IGA banner and has been with the Group ever since.

After Andrew’s first job at Metro, he was promoted to head up Internal Audit and then Management Information Systems. Following that, he established the Group’s Hyper Store Division, consisting of large cash & carries, before being appointed to the main Board of Metro as Marketing Director.

Andrew was then appointed to start up operations for Metro in Israel and Russia. After an interesting time in those unique parts of the world, he returned to South Africa and assumed the position of Group Operations Director.

In 1998 Metro Cash & Carry acquired a major shareholding in Davids Limited in Australia (renamed Metcash Trading Limited) and he was sent there to run the operation, having had 20 years’ experience with Metro Cash & Carry Limited, South Africa before joining Metcash Australia Limited.

During the last 15 years under Andrew’s leadership, Metcash has emerged as a highly successful and competitive company with compounded annual growth over the last five years of 13% in sales and 18% in profits.

Andrew retired from his position as Chief Executive Officer, Metcash Group of Companies in 2013.

“Don't miss that critical career moment. In the end success in leading any organisation is about people, vision, performance and real resilience. Don't forget to enjoy a full, healthy and balanced life!”

Ms Elizabeth Johnstone

Group Chair

Elizabeth is a professional company director with experience in various sectors including health, agribusiness, financial services and resources.

She also serves as a senior strategic consultant to Global Legal firm DLA Piper, now the largest legal firm in the world. She has mentored many business and professional emerging leaders and has regularly written and spoken on matters related to corporate performance, risk and control systems, reputation corporate law and governance.

Previously she spent more than 20 years as National Director and Practice Head (Company Law and Governance) of legal firm Blake Dawson (now Ashurst) after a career as a senior executive (managing strategic planning and marketing), management consultant and academic. Her legal work was concentrated on board and C suite advice work particularly around directors and officers duties, legal risk, and head office advice. She advised a number of ASX 100 companies in high profile situations and transactions.

She was known for her practical and commercial approach, worked for periods in various countries and was listed as a leading legal practitioner in various national and international directories. She retired from the firm to pursue a career as a nonexecutive director.

As a management consultant she advised financial services, professional services, retail and tourism clients on strategic issues and worked with them to position for growth, listing and diversification. At earlier stages in her career she managed the strategic planning and marketing functions for a professional services firm, worked as a change agent on the reform of NSW government administration.

She was a previous Business and Professional Womens’ Association/QANTAS Business Woman of the Year. She has served on the boards of a number of organisations including the Australian Press Council, served on an OECD working group on governance and the American Bar Association’s International Developments in Corporate Governance Committee. She has a wide network of business and government contacts in Australia, New York and London.

“It's all about people.”

Mr John Churchill

Group Chair

John Churchill currently works as Strategic Counsel working closely with Boards, Chief Executives and senior management of significant private and public companies to provide strategic guidance and advocacy in the areas of governance, problem solving, corporate advisory work, restructuring, capital raisings, private equity negotiations, management buy outs, the management and selection of legal resources on significant projects.

The role involves working as a “strategic trusted advisor” and draws upon his legal and commercial experience in managing complex issues, client relationships and professional advisors. He has worked across a number of industry sectors, including banking, fast moving consumer goods, professional services, wine, wealth management and manufacturing.

John has extensive experience serving on the boards of a diverse range of publicly listed, private and charitable enterprises. He is currently a non-executive Director of Blooms the Chemist Pharmacy Chain. In the past his directorships have included serving as Chairman of Candida Stationery Ltd, Chairman of Woodhead Architects, Chairman of Staging Connections Ltd, Young Presidents Organisation and the Stephenson Mansell Group as well as a non-executive Director of Promentum Ltd and Australian Executor Trustees Limited.

John was the Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal Australia from 1999 to November 2001. Prior to this from 1982 to 2001 he was Managing Partner of Dunhill Madden Butler Solicitors Sydney, a firm which under his leadership expanded from a four partner practice to Australia’s tenth largest law firm. He has also practiced as a lawyer in employment law as well as industrial relations. He continues to specialize in CEO contracts, succession and transition.

John holds a Master of Laws from Sydney University Law School in International Trade and Business Law and has also completed Executive Management courses at Harvard Business School and IMD. He has lectured and presented at Sydney University Law School and more recently for the Australian Institute of Company Directors on non-executive director duties, remuneration and disclosure.