Stephen is a Chartered Accountant with more than 45 years' experience.Stephen graduated from The University of Adelaide with a graduate degree in Economics in 1976 and subsequently qualified as Chartered Accountant in 1978, whilst working with Peat Marwick Mitchell (now KPMG).Stephen was a founding staff member of specialist corporate recovery firm Allert Heard & Co and was promoted to partner in 1982.Stephen merged Allert Heard &Co with Arthur Andersen in 1989 where he was appointed Managing Partner. Stephen served a two-year term on Arthur Andersen's Worldwide Advisory Board.In 1997 Stephen established a boutique merchant bank "Equity and Advisory Ltd. This firm focused on providing advice on mergers and acquisitions and investing private equity in businesses with turnaround or expansion opportunities. Since formation Equity and Advisory has advised on transactions with a transaction value in excess of $7 billion.In 2007 the parent company of Equity and Advisory Ltd, E&A Ltd who had successfully completed six acquisitions was listed on the ASX. Since listing E&A Ltd grew significantly and it employed more than 900 people and its turnover exceeded $250m per annum when it delisted in 2017 to restructure. The conglomerate has continued to grow and changed its name to Tasmea Limited in 2023.Tasmea now comprises 17 business employing 1300 plus employees with a forecast turnover in financial year 2024 of $420m.Stephen is an experienced company director and has served as a director or Chairman on a number of companies including, Electricity Trust of South Australia, Australian Submarine Corporation, The University of Adelaide, Tasmea Limited (formerly E&A Limited) and its Subsidiaries, Michell Australia, Shaw and Smith, A Raptis and Sons, Raptis Investments, Detmold Group, Adelaide Football Club and Common Ground Ltd a Charitable organization focused on resolving homelessness in Adelaide.Stephen is an experienced turnaround consultant and has led in his capacity as Executive Chairman of Equity and Advisory turnaround assignments on a number of large private and public companies.Stephen is a former Adelaide Chapter Chairman of the Young Presidents Organization and subsequently World Presidents Organization.