Dome Coffees co-founder Patria Jafferies has vowed to play a hands-on role at the Small Business Development Corporation after being chosen by the state government to chair the organisation.
Ms Jafferies, who sold her stake in Dome three years ago, said she conducted due diligence on the SBDC before accepting the challenge.
She said there was a big opportunity to take the SBDC to another level and deliver on ambitious goals with performance that could be measured.
“I think we can have some impact on business in WA,” said the entrepreneur, who admitted she had never used the SBDC during 20 years in business.
“We have the time to expand the scope and measure what they do.”
Ms Jafferies’ appointment precedes the expected announce-ment of a permanent CEO for the SBDC, which has been run in an acting capacity by Steve Moir.
In July, former CEO George Etrelezis left unexpectedly after almost two decades with the state government body.
Earlier this year, former chairman Tim Atterton stood down before his term ended after becoming embroiled in an acrimonious contractual dispute with his former employer, Curtin University.
In a statement announcing the appointment of Ms Jafferies, Small Business Minister Margaret Quirk said the new chair brought a wealth of business experience and knowledge to the role.
Ms Jafferies’ main current business interest is a formative partnership called Marketing Innovations Pty Ltd. She is also on the boards of Cullen Wines, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, SolarisCare Foundation and Hope for Children Australia.
