Appointments December 8, 2023

BCI Minerals has announced Steve Fewster as the salt and potash developer’s new chief financial officer, taking over from outgoing Kerryl Bradshaw. Mr Fewster is a chartered accountant and has more than 20 years of experience in the resources sector. Prior to the appointment to BCI Minerals, Mr Fewster had worked at APM Human Services International since May 2021, first as group finance director then as chief financial officer. He has also completed stints at WesTrac, Fortescue Metals Group, iiNet and Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, among other companies. Ms Bradshaw was CFO at BCI Minerals for two years.

Wendy Attenborough has been appointed as City of Perth general manager of corporate services. Ms Attenborough has worked on a range of significant policy issues in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and represented the state government in a range of cross-jurisdictional negotiations. Prior to joining the public sector, she spent almost 10 years at a non-government organisation in the Kimberley, working with Aboriginal people on land-related issues. Before joining City of Perth, Ms Attenborough had led Perth Zoo as executive director for five years.

Activ Foundation has revealed Trevor Hunt would take over as chair following Marcus Stafford’s resignation. Mr Hunt has more than 18 years of experience as a non-executive director in the financial services sector, currently serving in this role for P&N Bank and at former subsidiaries of NAB. Mr Hunt led a career as a senior corporate executive and has been involved in a range of community-based initiatives. Mr Stafford announced he would resign from Activ Foundation after two years serving as chair.

Western Australian senior director and company executive Kellie Benda has been appointed to the federal government’s Foreign Investment Review board for a five-year term. Ms Benda has worked across a diverse range of sectors including mining and resources, energy, utilities, infrastructure, technology, health services and agriculture. She currently serves as a non-executive director at Brightwater Care Group, Grains Research and Development Corporation, and Aurora Energy. Ms Benda has formerly held notable roles at AGL Australia, Origin Energy, Emeco Group and RAC WA. Ms Benda was also a Business News’ 40under40 award winner in 2008.

Senior energy projects and corporate commercial lawyer Adel van der Walt has been recruited by HopgoodGanim Lawyers as the newest Perth-based partner joining the firm’s national Resources and Energy Practice. Ms van der Walt has more than two decades of experience and brings special expertise in advising clients in the oil and gas, and mining industries. Prior to this appointment, Ms van der Walt was a partner at Jackson McDonald for nearly seven years and before 2009, she practised law in South Africa.

Good Sammy Enterprises has selected Aaron Harding as its new chief operating officer, bringing his more than 20 years of experience in operation management to the not-for-profit. Mr Harding has previously worked at St John Ambulance WA for nearly eight years, first as general manager enterprise solutions and then as general manager first aid. Before this, he served in managerial roles at RAC WA for nearly 10 years. Prior to the appointment at Good Sammy, Mr Harding was new ventures lead at automotive company Capricorn Society for one year.

Westbridge Funds Management has appointed Emmanuel Ranga as key relationships manager, responsible for capital raisings for property investment opportunities. Mr Ranga previously worked at National Australia Bank for nearly nine years, serving in a variety of different roles during this time. Since early 2019, Mr Ranga has been a Young Finance Professionals committee member at the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

Helen Hristofski has commenced as Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company general manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the arts sector to the organisation. Ms Hristofski most notably worked as chief executive and executive producer for Barking Gecko Theatre for eight years. Since leaving the theatre company in mid-2021, Ms Hristofski has worked as acting general manager for Marrugeku, and has conducted contract work for Australian String Quartet and freelance work as an arts consultant.