UniSA Alumni
Dr Mark
AhnMark J. Ahn, Ph.D. is President and Chief Executive Officer of Hana Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNAB), a South San Francisco, CA-based biopharmaceutical company which acquires, develops, and commercializes innovative products to advance cancer care.
Prior to Hana, Dr. Ahn served as Vice President, Hematology and corporate officer at Genentech, Inc. where he was responsible for commercial and clinical development of the Hematology franchise which surpassed $1 billion in revenues, achieved the #1 oncology therapeutic position in the US, and was recognized as the #1 sales and marketing team in the biopharmaceutical industry in by Product Management Today. Prior to Genentech, Dr. Ahn held a series of positions of increasing responsibility at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Amgen, Inc and FMC Corporation in strategy, general management, sales & marketing, business development, and finance. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Army.
Dr. Ahn also serves on the Board of Directors of Transmolecular, Inc., RXi Pharmaceuticals, and Access Pharmaceuticals. He also serves on the Board of Governors for Chaminade University.
Dr. Ahn received a BA in History and MBA from Chaminade University. He was a graduate fellow in Economics at Essex University, and has a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of South Australia. Dr. Ahn is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
Allen BolaffiAllen Bolaffi is the founding President of the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce Inc. This organisation has been responsible for the substantial increase in trade between Australia and Israel over the last 15 years. Apart from the trade activity, it runs the very best business networking events in Australia, featuring the highest business leaders as their keynote speakers.
Outside this activity he is Managing Partner of UHY Haines Norton, Chartered Accountants. His two areas of professional activity are his public and private company directorships, and his role in advising local government in the area of governance, audit economy and efficiency. His numerous appointments in audit committees in the public sector bears testimony to his knowledge and skills in this area.
Allen is an author in the area of governance and audit matters and has prepared a number of papers and delivered lectures in this area around Australia.
He serves on the boards of directors of Drake Supermarkets Pty Ltd, Macfield Leasing Corporation Limited, John Shearer Holdings Limited (ASX code JHR) , Arrowcrest Group Pty Ltd and was the founding Chairman of the Adelaide Jewish Museum.
All of these achievements would not have been possible without the great grounding that was offered at University of South Australia and its predecessor institutions.
See Allen Bollaffi for more information
Dr
Beng CheahDr Beng Cheah is currently the Director of Corporate Services at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I˛R) in Singapore. I2R is primarily funded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and partly by the industry. It has some 350 research scientists and engineers performing R&D in information, communications and media (ICM) technologies.
Beng was previously the Director for the Datacomm & Network Systems business at a SingTel subsidiary. His team achieved significant revenue growth, won and implemented many advanced, large-scale telecommunications and networking projects in Singapore. Earlier, Beng worked for GEC Plessey Telecommunications and Telecom Corporation of New Zealand, in software engineering, project management and technical consultancy roles for projects in New Zealand, United Kingdom and Indonesia.
Beng received BE (1st Class Honours) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Auckland, NZ. He gained an MBA from California State University, East Bay and completed the Programme for Global Leadership at the Harvard Business School. He had recently completed his DBA (UniSA) where he studied the diffusion of innovations; in particular, the adoption of mobile phones across ASEAN countries.
Dr Kia Ngee ChewDr Chew is the Patron of UniSA;s Singapore Alumni Chapter and one of our first offshore Ph.D graduates.
Dr Chew holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Malaya, a Master of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of South Australia.
Dr Chew has been a Practising Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) since 1978. He was a Council Member of the then Singapore Society of Accountants (now ICPAS) in 1974. He served on the Professional Development Committee of ICPAS for many years and is currently the Chairman of the Auditing & Assurance Standards Committee of ICPAS.
Dr Chew is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, a Fellow of CPA Australia and a member of the Singapore Computer Society. Dr Chew has been in professional practice for 35 years and has been a partner for 26 years with the legacy firm of Coopers & Lybrand and now PricewaterhouseCoopers. He recently retired as Deputy Chairman, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (Singapore).
Elizabeth ClareElizabeth Clares career burgeoned after taking an extended break to raise her family. She joined the Masonic Homes in 1993 where she soon demonstrated a flair for marketing when she undertook the vital role of promoting Darwins first retirement village. Her outstanding success ensured her rapid promotion to the position of General Manager Property, where she was responsible for the management of a $70m property portfolio and the construction of retirement housing, serviced apartments and aged care facilities for the Masonic Homes.
In 2005 Elizabeth accepted the role of Executive Director of the Mary Potter Foundation where she is responsible for raising over $1m annually to support the Mary Potter Hospice at Calvary Hospital North Adelaide.
Elizabeth holds postgraduate qualifications in communications, public relations and management from UniSA.
She has been actively involved in the disability sector, having chaired the Independent Living Centre and was a member of the Transitional Advisory Group advising the Minister for Disability. She is currently an active board member of the Bedford Group where she chairs the Property Committee.
In 2003 Elizabeth was proud to be South Australian winner of the Community and Government Award for the Telstra business Women of the Year Awards which recognized her achievements and success as a business woman.
Dr James CowleyC.Ed; B.A; M.Ed; PhD (Business); QPMR; CPM; FAMI; MRSA
James Cowley has achieved a leadership role in three quite different fields of work in the past: In the very competitive end of the business world; in Health and in Education. And in different countries. In each field of work his innovations have been recognized.
He has created, managed, built, expanded and sold very profitable Companies in Australia and overseas. These companies were in highly competitive markets and achieved substantially higher profit margins than their industry norms whilst creating quite a large number of jobs. He has directed marketing campaigns that have received international acknowledgements. He has also consulted on marketing and consumer behaviour to Executive levels of many of the largest Australian and Global corporations and on strategy to the Government and Private sector.
His work has received awards and acknowledgements here and overseas – he even received a letter from the Speaker of the House of Commons when he left the UK to live in Australia acknowledging his work and wishing him good luck! He had successfully directed innovations in both the fields of education and health promotion in the UK which resulted in an invitation to a role in Australia.
Later he moved into establishing a number of successful businesses. As an example for 12 years he was joint Managing Director/owner of New Focus Research Pty Ltd (Australian owned Market research/strategy company operating locally and internationally), and throughout this time continued a hands on role in qualitative and quantitative research and consulting. His businesses have created more than 300 jobs (full and casual) over 2 decades and innovated continually over this period.
Cowley has a history of involvement in some of the "biggest name" brands, products and services, corporate competitive battles, brand recoveries, innovations. His long term clients have included many global companies such as, CBA, Ericcson, IBM, a major Oil company, Westpac, Crown, Canon, Citibank, Coles Myer, Toshiba, Citrix, and many others in the Corporate sector. He has been involved in Government innovations including being one of the 2 Private sector representatives on the Board of DAS when the Federal Government wanted it commercialized in the 1990s and being called into various Government strategic issues such as the recovery from the Sydney water crisis and various issues for the Australian Defence Force and the ATO. He has significant experience delivering keynote speeches and is known for being a challenging speaker.
His skill set is in starting and building companies to about 100 people (PT/FT). His professional expertise is within strategic marketing and is concentrated upon understanding consumer behavior and creating (through to implementation) new products and services out of it. He has driven innovation in every area in which he has worked. All his studies (including his PhD at the UniSA.) have been in his spare time.
Since selling his last large company, this decades research work has concentrated on trends impacting the sustainability of business profits and innovation. These include work life balance, changing demographics, connection and engagement, flexible work, transitions, attention span, regionalization, and a number of "harder edge" trends.
He now splits his time between
His fundamental work philosophy is that nothing else matters apart from what you are achieving today. And that will be the result of openness to learning, fine tuning of skills and experience not past achievements or reputation
His fourth book "I NEED BALANCE IN MY LIFE - Achieving the dream of the
21 st Century" was published in Australia by Richmond. It has also been published/translated in India, Russia and Europe.
(He has written prolifically in a number of countries and his previous (non business) books were in health education, counseling, school curriculum, alcohol education. His publications and commercial reports run to 37 pages including in the business world best paper and best technical paper awards. )
Lai
Kwok Wai, VillyLai Kwok Wai, or Villy as he is known, has a strong commitment to his community. He participates and actively contributes to various community services. His organisational affiliations include Previous Chairman, UniSA Alumni Hong Kong, Chairman, Charter Financial Planner 2007, Advisor, Hong Kong University Business Association and Chairman, Life-Environmental Construction.
Villy has been honoured with many professional and industry awards, Member of MDRT, Court of the Table, Distinguished Agent & Manager Award, Diamond Award of National Management Award, Distinguished Salesperson Award (HKMA).
Currently Villy is undertaking Doctoral Candidate research with a focus on University Social responsibility.
Leigh GarrettAs CEO of Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services or OARS, Leigh Garrett is one executive with his feet firmly planted on the ground. This is an indispensable trait when you consider that his job involves managing an organisation committed to the support and rehabilitation of one of society's most marginalised groups, people convicted of criminal offences and their families.
Leigh is an energetic and creative leader who is passionate about social and criminal justice reform and he believes that good leadership is the crucial component for organisational success. Consequently, he was named CEO of the Year for 2002 in the EQT CEO Awards after being nominated by his staff. Leigh considers that the growth and development of his own staff and volunteers not only give him great joy, but it is a tangible measure of his own sense of achievement.
Leigh has a Bachelor of Education with a major in Physical Education from UniSA, a Graduate Diploma of Occupational Safety and Management, and completed an MBA in 1998. He recognises the need for ongoing training and personal development and wishes to continue to develop his leadership skills and boost his business acumen for the benefit of the organisation.
He is passionate about AFL football and is also a keen gardener.
Shivani
Gupta Shivanis personal experience of moving from India to a remote area in South Australia at a young age was the first major change in her life. With a determination to overcome obstacles and the motivation to succeed, Shivani rose to each challenge: studying in a non-traditional area of engineering, moving into a career in a male-dominated sector and overcoming barriers faced by women in the workplace by moving into management positions at a young age while completing her MBA. At the age of 27, she became a senior manager with BHP Billiton, the largest resource company in the world.
After a life changing experience in Nepal five years ago, she decided to leave her secure position to create her dream and passion of challenging people to grow and established her own company.
She has worked with over 100 National companies in all states of Australia including 6 of the Top 10 (Forbes Nov 2006). She also speaks internationally.
Shivani has been the recipient of many awards including the Telstra Young Business Woman; Achiever of the Year for Enterprising Women Awards; Finalist in the Hunter Leadership Awards and in 2005, was named an honorary member of the Golden Key Society for her work with Universities that includes honorary members such like Bill Clinton and Ian Thorpe. Shivani has and continues to contribute to several boards. Shivani has also written articles for national publications, including the Law Review and The Australian. She is also a regular radio presenter and is currently writing two books.
You can find out more information from Shivanis website on: www.rbc.net.au
Associate
Professor Norman James OAMAssociate Professor Norman James trained in Medicine and Psychiatry in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. He also holds a doctorate for research into the genetics of bipolar illness.
On coming to South Australia in 1980 he was appointed as CEO in the then Hillcrest Hospital. At this point in his career he studied part time for the Diploma in Health Administration at a precursor of the University of SA, the SA Institute of Technology, graduating in 1984.
Since then, he has held the positions of Clinical Director of two major psychiatric hospitals (Royal Park, Melbourne and Glenside). He has also been Chief Psychiatrist in both Victoria and South Australia, and President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
Recently he was Chair of the Mental Health Clinical Network in SA and is the Director of Clinical Services for Eastern Area Mental Health Services, based at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
His publications include papers on psychiatric medication, genetics and mental health service delivery. He is Associate Professor at both the Universities of Adelaide and Melbourne.
In 2008 he was awarded an O.A.M. in recognition of his contributions to psychiatry, the community and assistance to refugees.
Rob McKayRob graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing).
In 2008 Rob returned to Australia after 10 years working abroad. He currently works with Luxottica as it's Group General Manager of Marketing for Asia Pacific and Africa based in Sydney. Luxottica is an Italian company that manufactures eyewear brands like Ray Ban and Oakley and retails to consumers through brands like OPSM, Laubman & Pank, Budget Eyewear and Sunglass Hut.
Previously, Rob worked 14 years with the Chevron Corporation in various Retail Marketing roles. He spent 5 years in the US Global Headquarters in California from 2004. This followed 5 years in the Asia Pacific Regional Office where he was Merchandise Manager, Asia, Middle East and Africa. Prior to moving to Asia, Rob was instrumental in developing the Caltex Australia format which is successful in the Australian market today.
Prior to joining Chevron, he worked with The Coca-Cola Company for 4 years in various sales and marketing roles in both Adelaide and Sydney.
Rob commenced an MBA at the University of South Australia in 1994, which he transferred and completed at the University of Technology, Sydney in 1996.
Having worked extensively across all regions, Rob has a unique and educated global perspective.
Richard
QuekRichard is General Manager/Director with Accede Technology Pte Ltd in Singapore, an Information Technology service provider in office solutions providing hardware, software, applications and technical services. With 25 years experience in sales, marketing and customer services, Richard oversees operations, including developing e-business and internet marketing services.
Richard has established several start-up companies including software development, direct marketing and internet marketing services.
Since graduating in electrical engineering Richard has continually updated his qualifications, in electronic engineering, sales, marketing and supervisory management. Richard graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 2002 from University of South Australia.
Richard is an advocate in community services, volunteer in several grassroots organisations since 1993 and recently appointed as Chairman in two grassroots organisations, member of Town Development committee and as Councillor in the Town Council.
He has also volunteered his services in UniSA alumni international network and was appointed as President, UniSA Alumni Singapore chapter in July 2005. The local chapter has more than 400 registered alumnus members.
Apart from his busy career and volunteer work, Richard makes an effort to find time for his wife and two children, enjoys fine dining and Australian red wine and hopes to venture in wine business in the near future.
June RoacheJune Roache is Chief Executive of SA Lotteries and Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association.
SA Lotteries charter is to promote and conduct lotteries for the benefit of all South Australians. SA Lotteries returns approximately 95 cents of every $1 in revenue to the community of South Australia, primarily via prizes to players and profits to hospitals.
Prior to joining SA Lotteries, June was Chief of Staff within the office of a South Australian Cabinet Minister and a senior executive with the South Australian TAB.
She has a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of SA and a Graduate Certificate in Management from Monash University (Victoria, Australia).
June has served on several boards over the years and is currently a Board Member of Business SA and the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation. She is also a Justice of the Peace in South Australia and a Member of the Adelaide Rotary Club.
Peter
SavoffPeter Savoff is General Manager Hotels, for the Anthony John Group, a highly successful and award winning Queensland based, property developer. The Groups new Hotel Division will build and run a collection of high-end, boutique hotels, the first of which will be the Emporium Hotel in Brisbane, scheduled to open in June 2007.
Peter has over 20 years in the international hotel management industry, where he gained extensive Operations, Marketing and Business Development experience. His management experience includes working as the Area Director of Marketing for InterContinental Hotels Group (incorporating InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn) across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea.
Most recently, Peter spent the last three years as CEO of McInnes Wilson Lawyers, Queenslands third largest law firm where he was responsible for growing both the business and its profitability. However, the lure to return to the hotel industry and start up a new hotel brand was an offer too good to refuse !
Peter graduated from a Master of Business Administration in 2001 where he received the Alex Ramsey Award as top of the IGSM MBA student and expects to complete his Master of Commercial Law (University of Melbourne) at the end of 2007.
The Emporium Hotel website is: www.emporiumhotel.com.au
Philip
SimsPhilip is currently Chief Executive Officer of South Australian based Robert Menz Manufacturing Pty Ltd. The fourth generation family company is well known for its specialty brands including Menz Confectionary (Fruchocs, Crown Mints), Robern Fruit Products and Medlow Confectionary. Philip has transformed the business from a predominantly bulk/contract manufacturer and supplier to a brand marketer. Since his involvement in the business from the early 1990s the company's turnover has grown four fold, due to the exceptional quality and purity of the natural citrus, berry and tropical gel products.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Business with a major in marketing from the University of South Australia in 1988, Philip joined the family company for some time, but eventually decided to diversify and broaden his experience externally by joining the Schwarzkopf organisation. Over a period of four years he managed the sales force and key accounts in New South Wales in his role as Sales Manager. Since graduating, he has continually updated his qualifications, by completing an Export/Import Certificate from the Australian Export Institute in 1994 and obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Management in 2001.
Philip has a keen interest in league football and Sturt football Club.
Gary
StorkeyGary is CEO of HomeStart Finance. Fourteen years ago Gary created this organisation and was responsible for building it into the billion dollar business that it is today. HomeStart Finance was established in 1989 by the SA Government to provide home ownership opportunities to moderate income households. It has assisted more than 44,000 households into home ownership and achieved market leadership in the design, delivery and management of mortgage products for its target market.
Gary has brought his expertise from the public housing and property field, where he was Principal Advisor to the Minister of Housing, involved in developing key policies in this area. Previously he was Accountant/Financial Analyst, with the SA Housing Trust for ten years where his role encompassed financial forecasting, budgeting and planning.
He graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 2002. Currently, he is actively involved in several organisations affiliated with the housing and finance industries.
Gary is SA President of the Institute of Public Administration IPAA, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Marketing AIM, serves on the National Board of the Credit Ombudsman and is a member of the of the State Housing Executive Committee.
Dr Mary K C
TanDr Mary Tan is a Civil Engineer by profession. She holds a BEng in Civil Engineering at the National University of Singapore, a Masters in Business & Technology at the University of New South Wales, a PhD in Psychology at Wyoming and a PhD in Business Management at South Australia.
Dr Mary has been actively involved in the land transport planning, design and development since Singapore’s first Mass Rapid Transit system. She is currently heading the International Alliances & Development Section at the LTA Academy, Land Transport Authority, Singapore. The Academy is a one-stop focal point for governments, organisations and professionals around the world to tap Singapore’s know-how and exchange best practices in land transport management and development.
Dr Geoffrey TurnerAssociate Professor at European University Cyprus, Geoff has been teaching accounting, finance and financial management since 1990 in Australia, Cyprus, Greece, Hong Kong, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. In addition Geoff supervises PhD and DBA students in both Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
His own doctoral thesis examined the need for accounting for human resources in the context of intellectual capital management.
Geoff is currently a South Australian Business Ambassador and has been a member of the South Australian Universities alumni committee in London since 2003 including two years as Chairman from 2004-2006. Geoff previously held a senior financial management post at British Aerospace Australia Limited and subsequently Fasson Pty Ltd where he was also a Director of the company. He has been a Director of the South Australian Hockey Association Inc, Good4You, a charity registered in the United Kingdom, and Adelaide Alumni UK Ltd.
