Meet our new 40 Under 40 for 2023
Finding solutions to problems as diverse as employment and leukaemia has put these four leaders at the top of their respective fields.
Kirsty Stark, Kosta Koutsonas, Laura Eadie, Lachlan Hoy. Photo: Samuel Graves.
Kirsty Stark
Epic Films & CrewHQ, Producer & Founder
The Emmy-Award-winning TV producer’s latest start-up, CrewHQ, aims to transform the hiring process in the film and TV industries as well as create sustainable career pathways for freelancers. “My most recent production, First Day, had 16 female heads of department, and several women receiving their first long-form credits in their roles, creating future work opportunities,” she says.
Favourite winery? The stunning Beresford Estate, where we recently celebrated my cousin’s wedding.
Kosta Koutsonas
CGK Group, Director
Koutsonas helped grow Samaras Group from $40 Million turnover to over $120 Million in nine years. Because of this achievement, he was invited to purchase part of the organisation and has since become a director. His successes since coming to South Australia with no money or family connections is a story he hopes will inspire others. “I came to South Australia nine years ago, broke and with no business or family connections, hopefully, I’m an example to others that hard work, determination and resilience eventually pay dividends,” he says.
A meal or food item that changed your life? Pasta Ragu – An Italian chef in Vietnam gave me the recipe – Game Changer.
Laura Eadie
South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Post-doctoral Research fellow and Group Leader
An emerging leader in her field, Dr Eadie leads her own acute lymphoblastic leukaemia research team, receiving over $2.3 Million in competitive funding across the past five years. Laura is looking forward to her future in the field. “Research is my passion and I’m excited about what I can achieve in the next decade and beyond,” she says.
Adelaide’s best-kept secret?? Anstey Hill trail running tracks. It’s as hard as Lofty but was less crowded on a weekend morning.
Lachlan Hoy
Innovatus Technology Pty Ltd, Co-Founder
Striving to provide world-leading eye care to South Australians, Optometrist Hoy has founded three businesses since 2008. Hoy continues to lead teams passionate about delivering high-standard eye care, product delivery and lens technology. “The key to good businesses is good people, I’ve been lucky in my journey to encounter many amazing people, I continue to surround myself with them and learn from them,” he says.
What album or musician have you consistently listened to the longest? Jeff Buckley Grace
