Category: People Moves

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the organisation behind the global Woolmark brand, has appointed Bryan Fry as its next CEO. ry is described as having a distinguished combination of hands-on agricultural experiences as an agronomist alongside deep expertise in international marketing, brand development and commercial strategy. This unique blend of skills is believed to position him strongly to lead the research, development and marketing organisation for Australian woolgrowers, including AWI’s global Woolmark programme. AWI chairman, George Millington, says the decision by the board follows an extensive recruitment process. “Bryan brings global leadership experience, most recently serving as chairman and global CEO of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, where he led large-scale international operations across multiple markets and premium brands. Fry is taking over from John Roberts who took the position back in October 2021. During his tenure Roberts delivered strategic focus and strong performance for the organisation and industry alike. “John will work closely with Bryan to ensure a thorough and seamless handover supporting continuity and ongoing momentum.” Fry said he was looking forward to commencing the role and working closely with stakeholders across the industry. He continued: “I am excited to join AWI. And to help deliver better outcomes both on and off farm. Australian Wool is by far the best natural fibre in the world, and I am looking forward to playing my part in securing an even brighter future for woolgrowers and the wider industry.” Source: https://www.just-style.com/news/australian-wool-innovation-appoints-new-ceo/?cf-view

The Board of BHP announces that Brandon Craig will become Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a Director of BHP Group Limited on 1 July 2026. Mr Craig will succeed the current CEO, Mike Henry, who will step down after six and a half years in the role. BHP Chair, Ross McEwan said: “We are very pleased an executive of Brandon Craig’s calibre and extensive experience has been appointed as our new CEO to lead the execution of our strategy. I am confident that his discipline and focus will continue to drive BHP’s high-performance culture and advance the company’s unrivalled pipeline of growth options to maximise shareholder returns. We would like to recognise the outstanding contribution of Mike Henry to BHP as CEO. Under his leadership, BHP has transformed into a safer and more productive company, financially strong and sharply focused on shareholder value and social value.” CEO appointment The appointment of Mr Craig follows a formal CEO succession process. Brandon brings more than 25 years of operational and corporate leadership experience at BHP to the role. He is currently BHP’s President Americas, leading the company’s growth strategy in future facing commodities across Canada, the United States and South America. During his time in the role, BHP became the world’s largest copper producer and advanced high quality growth options in copper and potash. Prior to this, Brandon led our Western Australia Iron Ore business, improving operational performance and increasing BHP’s lead as the lowest cost, highest margin major iron ore producer in the world. Mr Craig said: “It is an honour and privilege to succeed Mike Henry as CEO of BHP. Thanks to his leadership, BHP is well positioned for the future. Mike will be remembered for his strategic decision-making, portfolio transformation, operational excellence and focus on safety and high-performance culture. As incoming CEO, I am committed to leading the talented and hard-working people who make BHP a great company and continuing to generate long-term value for all our shareholders. I will work tirelessly with the Board and management to achieve this. I look forward to continuing to take this great company forward.” CEO Mike Henry Outgoing CEO, Mike Henry said: “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of BHP and to have worked with so many truly talented people. I am proud of what we have achieved together. BHP is a safer and higher performing company and is better positioned for future growth. We are creating sustainable long-term value for our shareholders, our supply chain, partners and our communities. Brandon is an excellent choice as CEO, and I wish him every success in the role.” During Mr Henry’s tenure as CEO, BHP established its track record of sector leading operational performance, with BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore business securing and growing its lead as the world’s lowest cost major iron ore producer. BHP has become a simpler company, with a more resilient and growth-oriented portfolio through demerging its Petroleum business, high-grading its coal business, simplifying its listing structure and pivoting towards growth in copper and potash, both future facing commodities. Under Mr Henry’s leadership, BHP has established itself as the world’s largest copper producer, with over half of BHP’s recent half year earnings sourced from copper and a significant volume of growth to come. This, coupled with BHP’s soon to be commissioned potash mine, leaves the company well placed to deliver high-margin growth into the future. Mr Henry has led a strong focus on safety and a high-performance culture during his tenure. Under Mr Henry’s leadership, BHP has established sector-leading operational excellence through the BHP Operating System. BHP also achieved a gender balanced workforce and a 30% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions and stronger partnerships with Indigenous peoples. Average Total Shareholder Returns have been ~17% per annum, and BHP returned ~US$80 billion to shareholders during Mr Henry’s tenure. BHP has a unique combination of large, long-life, low-cost assets in the most attractive commodities, a track record of operational excellence and capital discipline, a leading pipeline of growth in copper and potash, and a distinct approach to building social value. This will generate attractive and reliable returns and growth for shareholders well into the future. Further information is provided in Appendix 1. Source: https://www.bhp.com/news/media-centre/releases/2026/03/brandon-craig-to-succeed-mike-henry-as-bhp-ceo

March 4 (Reuters) – Big Four accounting firm KPMG has selected its former Australia ​head, Gary Wingrove, as its next global chief ‌executive, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters could not immediately verify the ​report. KPMG did not immediately respond to our ​request for comment. Wingrove is currently KPMG’s global ⁠chief operating officer and was the CEO of ​KPMG Australia from 2013 to 2021. Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/kpmg-picks-former-australia-head-wingrove-global-ceo-ft-reports-2026-03-04/

The family-owned aged care operator Medical & Aged Care Group has appointed Fabio Maya to its top operational role after he stepped down from For Purpose Aged Care Australia (FPACA) in January this year. Fabio has more than 30 years’ experience in senior aged care leadership roles, including four years as CEO of Signature Care, where he helped to commission more than 2,000 residential aged care beds. When For Purpose Aged Care Australia (FPACA) acquired the prolific residential aged care builder in April 2024, he stayed on for another two years as CEO. The Weekly SOURCE can exclusively reveal that Fabio has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Medical & Aged Care Group (MACG), effective 10 March 2026. Fabio will lead operational performance across the Group, with a focus on service excellence, quality, safety, and workforce capability. Prior to his role at Signature Care, he held CEO and COO roles across leading operators including Menarock Life and BlueCross/Sapphire Care. His experience spans operational excellence, mergers and integrations, quality governance and financial performance. Invaluable experience Cameron McPherson, CEO of MACG, said Fabio’s appointment strengthens the organisation’s leadership team as the business continues to grow. Fabio said he will be be joining the organisation at an important time for the sector. Source: https://www.theweeklysource.com.au/former-for-purpose-aged-care-australia-ceo-joins-medical-aged-care-group/

Renewables developer Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia has announced the appointment of Michael Steiner as its new CEO. Steiner, who over the past two years has held the position of Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) for the company in the region, brings almost three decades of international experience in the energy sector, with extensive expertise in business development, general management, strategic leadership and project execution across multiple markets. Steiner spent a significant part of his career at ENGIE, and later served as head of energy at Singapore-based Intra Energy Corporation as well as being managing director for Germany and Spain at Advanced Power for four years. Throughout his career, he has also held senior roles at companies including The AES Corporation, Alstom Power and ABB. In his new role, Steiner will lead FRV’s growth strategy in Australia and New Zealand, advancing a diversified portfolio that includes photovoltaic assets, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hybrid developments. FRV currently has a strong presence in both markets, with projects in operation, under construction and in development, supported by an ambitious roadmap aimed at accelerating the energy transition and contributing to a more sustainable, resilient and competitive power system. Steiner said, “I would like to thank FRV Australia for the trust placed in me. With the support of a strong executive team and the wider organisation, I look forward to continuing to strengthen the company’s growth and the operations of its existing assets, and consolidating its role as a key player in the deployment of renewable energy and battery storage projects across the region.” Michael Steiner succeeds Carlo Frigerio as CEO of FRV Australia. FRV said in a statement, “The company would like to express its sincere thanks to Frigerio for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the development of the business during his tenure and wishes him every success in his future professional endeavours. “Under his leadership, FRV Australia strengthened its strategic positioning in the market, expanded its project portfolio and laid the foundations for a new phase of sustainable growth.” Source: https://esdnews.com.au/michael-steiner-appointed-new-ceo-of-frv-australia/

Australia’s embattled The Star Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of veteran American casino executive John Koster as the group’s new CEO of The Star Sydney, pending regulatory approvals.Koster had most recently served as the VP and General Manager of Bally’s Lake Tahoe, in the United States. The executive formerly held numerous executive roles in Caesars Entertainment and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts – including time in Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. In a social media post on Monday, The Star highlighted that ‘John is an accomplished casino and hotel executive with more than 40 years of industry experience, including nearly three decades in senior leadership roles across multiple U.S. states and internationally recognized resorts and hotels such as Caesars Entertainment, Eldorado Resorts and Harrah’s’. The group furthered that ‘Having worked across five countries, John also brings diversified cultural exposure and a proven track record in leading large-scale hotel and casino organizations’. Koster joins The Star after an extensive board restructuring following a lifeline investment by Bally’s Corp and Investment Holdings and amongst stringent measures to cut costs, refinance extensive debt and slim its asset portfolio in order for the company to stay afloat. Koster replaces Janelle Campbell, who commenced in the role in February of 2024. In its recent results, The Star flagged that ‘there remains material uncertainty regarding the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern’, following an AU$109.7 million ($77.4 million) loss for the fiscal half year ending December 31st, 2025. Amongst its restructuring, The Star is streamlining corporate operations, shifting ‘essential support functions’ from its corporate office to the ‘property level in Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane’. Koster will have a significant say in how The Star Sydney aims to turn around lagging operations, particularly given that the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) last September extended the suspension of The Star Sydney’s casino license until March 31st, 2026. Source: https://agbrief.com/news/australia/03/03/2026/veteran-casino-exec-john-koster-appointed-as-new-ceo-of-the-star-sydney/

Auckland, New Zealand – Omnicom Media (OM) agency, OMD, has announced the appointment of Blair Alexander as CEO of its New Zealand operations, effective 3 March. He will report to Nikki Grafton, CEO of OM New Zealand. Alexander brings over 20 years of experience in client leadership, agency transformation, and media strategy. Known for his collaborative and client-focused approach, he has previously led FCB Media, UM, and Initiative in New Zealand under IPG ownership. During his tenure, these agencies achieved record revenue and secured major accounts including Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Chorus, the New Zealand Electoral Commission, and One NZ. In 2023, Alexander launched Initiative in New Zealand, securing the ASB account within months. FCB Media also became the most awarded media agency in the country under his leadership, winning more than 50 Gold Beacons, including four Best in Show awards and a global WARC Grand Prix for Best Use of Data. Commenting on the appointment, Nikki Grafton, CEO of OM New Zealand, said, “Securing a leader of Blair’s calibre, with his reputation for trusted client relationships and transformational leadership, was a priority for us. Blair is the ideal choice to bring the full strength of Omnicom’s global capabilities to our OMD clients and partners.” She added, “His ability to harness technology, global intellectual property, and deep strategic insight — and apply them in ways that is relevant to the New Zealand market — will create significant value for our clients. He is also known for building skilled, loyal teams with a deep understanding of clients’ businesses, which consistently delivers strong commercial outcomes.” Blair Alexander said, “OMD has been a fierce competitor in New Zealand for several years, with a great long-term track record and exceptional talent. The evolved structure of the team, powered by the collective resources of Omnicom Media, particularly in the AI and tech space, were compelling reasons to lead this team. The ability to unleash this combined capability and create what’s next for our clients has huge potential. Bring it on!” An announcement regarding Alexander’s successor at McCann, as the FCB Media brand transitions, is expected soon. Source: https://marketech-apac.com/omd-new-zealand-appoints-blair-alexander-as-ceo/

Sydney, 2 February 2026: Lendlease today announced it has appointed Claire Johnston asChief Executive Officer (CEO) Development. Claire will transition from her current role as CEO Americas, Lendlease, in April. Claire is a highly experienced executive that has held a number of senior positions during her almost 30-year career at Lendlease. She has spent the past 10 years in the US overseeing key development projects and partnerships, including as Managing Director of US Military Housing, in partnership with the United States Department of Defense, and as Managing Director of the Google Development Venture. In Australia, Claire held a number of Executive Project Director positions, including overseeing the first stage of Lendlease’s multi-billion dollar mixed-use redevelopment of the Victoria Harbour precinct in Melbourne. Claire brings deep leadership and capital partnering experience as well as real estate and development expertise spanning urban renewal, origination, structuring, sustainable projects and project execution. Most recently Claire has been responsible for the delivery of key joint venture projects in the US, including The Riverie and Habitat build-to-rent developments, alongside partner Aware Super, as well as progressing US capital recycling initiatives. As CEO Development, Claire will return home to Australia to drive the growth and performance of the Development business, with momentum continuing to build, having secured ~$5 billion of new Australian project wins this financial year to date. Claire’s appointment follows Tom Mackellar’s decision to pursue an external opportunity. Since joining Lendlease in 2006, Tom has been a valued team member and has worked in roles spanning Mergers and Acquisitions, Finance and Development. Most recently as CEO Development, Tom has led a high performing team that has been successful in winning new projects and positioning the business for its next phase of growth. Beyond Lendlease, he has contributed to the industry as a board member of the Property Council of Australia and Committee for Sydney, in addition to supporting the work of FutureSteps. Lendlease thanks Tom for his contribution to Lendlease over his almost 20-year career and wishes him the best in his new venture. Quotes attributable to Tony Lombardo, Group CEO Lendlease:“We are pleased to welcome Claire back to Australia as CEO Development, to drive the growth and performance of our Development business. Claire brings a depth of real estate knowledge, development and investment experience that we will leverage to further our ambitions to grow our business, continue the restocking of our pipeline and deliver sustainable returns for securityholders.” Source: https://www.lendlease.com/au/media-centre/media-releases/lendlease-appoints-claire-johnston-chief-executive-officer-development/

Dec 17 (Reuters) – U.S.-based Bally’s and the Mathieson family tightened their grip on Australia’s Star Entertainment on Wednesday, installing Bruce Mathieson Jr as CEO and Bally’s chair Soo Kim as the embattled casino operator’s chairman. Shares of the Australian firm rose more than 14% to a three-month high of A$0.120, as of 0052 GMT. Star’s board now consists of Mathieson Jr, Kim, and Bally’s President George Papanier. The appointments come a day after Chief Executive Steve McCann stepped down, following his efforts to steer the debt-laden firm through financial and regulatory turmoil. The Mathieson family and Bally’s are Star’s largest shareholders, holding stakes of 23% and 38%, respectively. Both parties have been instrumental in providing a financial rescue package to the struggling Australian firm, which was on the verge of bankruptcy. Over the years, Star has been grappling with back-to-back probes into its management and operations, including accusations of money laundering and fraud. In the last two years, the company has seen multiple executive changes and poured millions into compliance upgrades and new systems to restore its battered reputation and secure casino licences. Since then, the company has slightly strengthened its balance sheet, with annual losses narrowing in fiscal 2025 and into the first quarter of the current year. The cash-strapped firm continued to trim losses in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 on a sequential basis on improved performance across its operations, but uncertainty about its future persists. Source: https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/australias-star-entertainment-names-bruce-mathieson-jr-as-new-ceo-4411682

PointsBet Holdings has announced the appointment of Andrew Catterall, currently CEO of its Australia business, as group CEO with effect from 1 February next year. Catterall has been CEO of PointsBet Australia since July 2022. In this time, PointsBet said, he led the business through a period of “operational transformation”. Prior to PointsBet, Catterall held various senior roles across the media, sports, entertainment and technology sectors. Most recently before PointsBet, he was CEO of the Racing.com joint venture between Seven West Media and Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry. He also spent time as chief operating officer of Beyond Boundaries Group and chief commercial and strategy officer of Racing Victoria. Other roles included general manager for strategy and marketing at the Australian Football League and as a consultant for both Gemba Group and the Boston Consulting Group, “We are delighted to appoint Andrew as group CEO,” PointsBet Chairman Brett Paton said. “He has delivered strong performance within our Australian operations and brings extensive industry expertise, strategic capability and leadership qualities that will guide PointsBet into its next phase. “The board congratulates Andrew on his appointment and looks forward to working closely with him as he leads the group forward.” Outgoing CEO to remain on PointsBet boardCatterall will succeed Sam Swanell, who has led PointsBet as CEO and managing director since July 2016. Swanell will continue to support the business throughout a transition and handover period Once this period has concluded, Swannell will move into an advisory role within the group. In addition, he will remain on the company’s board as an executive director. “On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank Sam for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and deep contribution to PointsBet since founding the company,” Paton said. “Sam has guided PointsBet through every stage of its development and growth. His continued involvement in an advisory capacity, as well as his ongoing service on the board, will ensure the business continues to benefit from his insight and experience.” All change after MIXI takeoverCatterall’s appointment is the latest change at PointsBet since MIXI Australia became the majority shareholder in the business. MIXI completed its takeover offer for PointsBet in September, securing 66.43% of the overall voting power in the operator. In October, PointsBet made changes to its board of directors, including the addition of three executives from MIXI. Sho Okuyama, Kanji Kobayashi and Taishi Oba all joined the board as non-executive directors of the business. Patton remained as chairman, while Swannell also retained his place as a director. However, Becky Harris, Tony Symons, Kosha Gada, Peter McCluskey and William Grounds all resigned as directors. However, the takeover was far from a smooth process for MIXI, having faced competition from Betr Entertainment throughout. Betr hoped for a full takeover but had to settle for an increased holding after MIXI came out on top. Betr now holds 27.72% of the total holding in the business, having previously owned 19.9% prior to its takeover offer. MIXI will have the majority in company matters but Betr will still have its say. Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/people-moves/pointsbet-appoints-new-group-ceo/