Appointments August 18, 2023

Business Council of Australia has recruited Bran Black as chief executive, taking over from Jennifer Westacott. Prior to this announcement, Mr Black worked for the New South Wales Government for more than three years, most recently serving as chief of staff for the former premier and treasurer Dominic Perrottet. Mr Black first worked a three-year stint for the NSW Government from 2015 to 2018 before spending nearly two years at the University of NSW, first as NUW Alliance chief executive then as chief of strategic initiatives. He returned to the state government in late 2019. Mr Black commenced with BCA on August 16 and is set to formally take over as chief executive on September 12. Outgoing Ms Westacott is expected to officially depart from BCA on October 12.

Paul Trengove has announced he would step down as Perth Motorplex general manager at the end of August after being appointed as Australian Grand Prix Corporation senior manager. Mr Trengove worked at Perth Motorplex for more than two years and was a key player in the facility’s transition from being operated by the state government’s VenuesWest to being privately operated by Evolve Facility Management. In his new role, Mr Trengove would oversee the delivery of Australian Formula 1 and MotoGP events.

Consulting firm Bridge42 has appointed Justine Roberts as development director at the company’s Perth office. Ms Roberts has more than 20 years’ experience in property and development advisory in both Australia and the United States. She has experience in the strategy leadership of large-scale land and property developments of up to $2.25 billion in value. Ms Roberts currently serves as Urban Development Institute of Australia councillor, RUAH Community Services non-executive director, Foundation Housing Development and Asset Committee member and ResiFund Investment Committee member.

Goldfields Esperance Development Commission has promoted Terrence Winner from deputy chair to chair following the resignation of Sabina Shugg. Mr Winner has served as a board member since October 2020 and was elevated to the role of deputy chair in July 2021. Nearly three years after first joining the board, he has been appointed as chair. Mr Winner works as the Goldfields Individual and Family Support Association chief executive and also serves on the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Council.

Black Swan State Theatre Company has appointed James Arnott to its board of directors. With more than 30 years of experience, Mr Arnott currently works as a KPMG partner for the company’s customer and operations advisory team. He has supported many organisations in Australia to transition to strong business models with better outcomes. Mr Arnott is passionate about community and the arts. He is the current president of the Swan River Rowing Club.

Sydney-based Deb Russell has joined the national board of 100 Women, further driving the Perth-based not-for-profit’s growth strategy. Ms Russell has nearly 20 years of experience as a corporate affairs expert and has expertise across industries including financial services, retail and energy. Ms Russell has held a range of communications management roles including at ANZ for three years, AGL Energy for nearly four years and Woolworths Group for two years, as well as operational and leadership roles at Macquarie Group for seven years.