Appointments February 6, 2026

Gaming giant VGW Holdings has appointed Mats Johnson as acting chief executive officer after its embattled billionaire owner Laurence Escalante stepped away to deal with drugs and assault charges. Mr Johnson has been an executive at VGW since 2015 and was chief marketing officer for 10 years until last year when he became president of the firm. 

Andy Wood, former regional head of Microsoft’s Asia Defence and Intelligence business, has launched his own advisory firm, Empirical Advantage, designed to help WA technology and defence-related companies navigate Asian markets. Mr Wood been based in Microsoft's Perth office since 2019 and took the role of defence and intelligence lead in July 2022. He is an advisory council member for CEDA (Committee for Economic Development of Australia) and the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee.

Police & Nurses Limited (PNL), operating as P&N Group and representing P&N Bank in Western Australia and BCU Bank in New South Wales and Queensland, has appointed Eimear Fanning as chief risk officer, effective January 30, 2026. Ms Fanning brings more than 20 years’ experience in risk management across health insurance, finance, government, aged care and energy.

Realmark Commercial has announced a series of appointments across its asset management and retail teams. Kelly Stark has been promoted to associate director of asset management and will work alongside director of asset management Gemma Hayes. Ha Nguyen has been promoted to trust account team lead, while Scott Chaproniere has moved into a hybrid role as senior retail property specialist, continuing to manage his existing portfolio while working with Ms Hayes and the retail leasing team.

Perth-based mental health and fitness organisation The Push-Up Challenge has appointed Nicole Cikarela (GAICD) as its new chief executive officer. Ms Cikarela joins the Push for Better Foundation as the organisation prepares to expand its flagship event into two new international markets, launching in New Zealand and the United Kingdom in February. Ms Cikarela brings extensive leadership experience, having previously held senior roles at HBF Health, Clemenger BBDO and RAC WA. She also serves on the board of Melanoma Patients Australia.

Fleetwood has appointed Andrea Pidcock as its new chief executive officer, effective February 2. The appointment follows the departure of former chief executive Bruce Nicholson in late November, with chair John Klepec having served in an interim capacity. Ms Pidcock joins Fleetwood after serving as chief executive of Sydney-based Onsite Rental Group. Her career also includes senior leadership roles across multiple sectors including Rio Tinto, Optus, Boral and CSR.

WA-owned Nexus Airlines has appointed aviation leader Lee Schofield as chief executive. Mr Schofield previously served as chair and non-executive director for the HMC Group, which includes Nexus and regional carrier Aviair. He has held senior executive roles including chief operating officer at an aeromedical operator, chief executive and director at Alliance Airlines, and vice-chairman of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia.

Good Sammy Enterprises has announced board changes, with long-serving director Chris Walker stepping down after a decade of service. The organisation has appointed Kylie Ashenbrenner and David Fraser as new board members, effective February 2026. Ms Ashenbrenner brings sustainability and governance expertise from senior roles including Wesfarmers, while Mr Fraser has more than 25 years’ CEO and board experience across ASX-listed and private companies.

Tourism WA has appointed Seven West Media WA chief executive Maryna Fewster, former City of Fremantle mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge, and east coast sports executive John Lee as board commissioners. The board continues under chair Di Bain, with Perth Airport chief executive Jason Waters stepping up as deputy chair. Christina Matthews has been reappointed for a further three-year term. The appointments were announced by WA’s Tourism Minister Reece Whitby.

Argonaut has appointed Sydney-based investment banking veteran Jon Gidney as senior adviser, strengthening its east-coast presence. A Perth native, Mr Gidney brings more than 30 years’ experience advising boards and executives on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and corporate strategy across multiple sectors. He joins Argonaut following senior advisory roles at Wilsons Advisory, Citi, Greenhill and JPMorgan Australia, and is a member of the Australian Takeovers Panel.