As Brisbane’s champion, BEDA (a subsidiary of Brisbane City Council) works closely with government and private sector organisations to enhance and promote Brisbane’s reputation globally, drive visitation, and attract investment and talent.I joined Brisbane Marketing in 2010. Operating in the dynamic space of Economic Development, I occupy the office of CFO, and form part of the high-performance executive team that aspires to, & generates economic and social prosperity to the residents of Brisbane. Operating in a complex and diverse stakeholder environment we promote the City in aspects of Business and Major events, Business growth, trade and talent, Leisure Tourism, City Centre activation, Destination Marketing (Incl. Digital & Social medial). I have direct responsibility over a compact but capable Finance, I.T. & Digital Platforms team within Corporate Services that includes oversight over legal, governance and risk management.Three key achievements during my time at BEDA:* Outsourced the IT department to a Managed Services model soon after joining BEDA (2011).* Was the lead in the BEDA team that acquired and merged the marketing and activation arm of South Bank Parklands into BEDA (2013).* Designed and developed the organisation's Risk Management Policies and Framework, incorporating Cyber Security (2019).

Following an exit from the Corporate world, I ventured into the exciting space of 'Small Business' and acquired a 40% stake in a retail / wholesale operation that traded in imported Tiles (ceramic, porcelain & natural stones). Tile Trends was a niched and highly respected company in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, that, trading on its strong relationships with repeat customers and building trade, satisfied the demand for a slightly differentiated product at an affordable exchange. Over my 6 years in the business, together with a team of young, highly energetic individuals, our key achievements were:* Grew the company's turnover threefold in six years,* Opened a further two retail branches across the province,* Significantly increased the company's national wholesale footprint in South Africa.

Promoted to the position of CFO, was part of a highly specialised and focused team in the manufacturing sector of automotive safety glass. Satisfying both the demands of the highly spec'd Original Equipment Manufacturers, as well as the broad range requirement of the after-market, the company also exported to the USA & Europe. Over this time I had oversight of all aspects of the Finance & I.T. functions (Procurement was later added), supported by dedicated teams across 5 sites in 3 cities.

Decided to make a long-term career move and joined a larger & stronger organisation with world-class systems and technologies. Although it was a less colourful and more clinical manufacturing environment, it offered better development opportunities and career prospects.

Internally promoted to Finance Director, Sylko Paper Company was an exciting and diverse manufacturer & supplier to the FMCG market in South Africa. It was recognised as a leading 'convertor and distributor of paper and paper-related product', in the very competitive retail & wholesale markets. Due to it's 'non-core' position within the Kohler Packaging group, it's future became uncertain - thus my decision to advance.

Joining Sylko, saw me cut my teeth on a low-tech, poorly capitalised manufacturer of a diverse range of product. From Greeting Card production, to Back-to-School product, production also included display sized Xmas product and Everyday product that resulted in many business variables in the dynamic FMCG/Chain store supply sector. Manufacturing facilities were located across 2 sites, in 2 cities, with sales-admin support across a 3rd city.

Underwent my Articles training while studying towards my CA qualification.