New MD for Sparc Technologies

Kent Town-based tech firm Sparc has named Nick O’Loughlin as its new managing director.

O’Loughlin joined Sparc in January 2022 as general manager for renewable energy, where he led the company’s involvement with the Sparc Hydrogen JV as well as its sodium ion battery project with Queensland University of Technology.

Sparc also announced its executive chairman, Stephen Hunt, will remain in an executive role for a transition period through to 31 March 2024 before becoming non-executive chairman.

“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Managing Director, Mr Nick O’Loughlin. During Nick’s time with Sparc, he has shown himself to be an exceptional talent and we are very fortunate to be able to secure Nick in this role,” Hunt said.

“Sparc has a number of extremely exciting technologies to which Nick will be able to build upon and bring fresh perspectives to lead us into commercialisation.”

Inaugural CEO for ASTRA

Mitchell Price has commenced in his role as the inaugural CEO of the Australian & New Zealand Short Term Rental Association (ASTRA) and will be based in Adelaide.

Price is the former country head of e-scooter company Lime, where he navigated complex regulatory environments to establish the brand in new markets including Japan and South Korea.

In his new role, he will head up the peak body representing the short-term residential rental industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Price said his vision for ASTRA was to focus on engaging members, public advocacy and governance frameworks.

“I’m delighted to join the team at ASTRA as inaugural CEO and look forward to advancing ASTRA’s reputation as the peak national body for the short-term rental industry,” Price said.

“Our industry is facing significant challenges and I look forward to working with our members, who represent over 200,000 properties across Australia and New Zealand, as well as broader industry and governments at all levels to promote responsible hosting and standardise a sector that serves as a vital backbone to our tourism and visitor economies in metro, regional and rural communities.”

Ian Hart hops over to Kingston District Council

Experienced council executive member Ian Hart has been appointed the new CEO of Kingston District Council.

Hart is currently the director of community development at Kangaroo Island Council, and previously worked in executive roles at community-based organisations including Derwent Valley Council, Regional Development Victoria, Bendigo Heritage Attractions, Bendigo Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Racing SA.

“Ian’s extensive leadership background and experience living in and working with regional communities makes him well equipped to lead our council and will see him make a valuable contribution to the council and the community,” Kingston District Council Mayor Jeff Pope said.

Ian will commence with the council on 29 January.

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Multiple roles including General Manager Nuclear Safety for the owner, developer and manager of ship and submarine building infrastructure, Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI). Expressions of interest are also encouraged for multiple project positions in the areas of Program and Project Design, Project Document Control, Information Security, Procurement, Communications and Community Engagement.

Two opportunities with peak industry body Motor Trade Association SA/NT. The Media and Communications Advisor will suit early-mid career journalists/media advisors looking to drive advocacy and media relations with a vibrant, progressive highly respected organisation. The position of Financial Controller is an ELT role reporting to the CEO to lead modernisation of systems and processes for this trusted association advancing the Automotive industry.

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Kevin Lawton joins Police Credit Union board

With more than three decades of experience at South Australia Police, Inspector Kevin Lawton has been elected to the position of director at Police Credit Union.

He has worked extensively across both metropolitan and regional postings, as well as a police prosecutor and as operations manager for the Eyre Western Local Service Area.

Police Credit Union chair Alex Zimmerman said Lawton also played a crucial role as SAPOL’s Police Liaison Officer within SA Health’s State Control Centre during the statewide pandemic response.

“Kevin’s previous involvement in various committees and organisations such as Chairman of Blue Light (SA) and as the Police Association of South Australia Branch President for Metro North underlines his commitment to the state and aligns with our own commitment to give back to the community at every opportunity,” Zimmerman said.

End of an era at Conservation Council

Conservation Council of South Australia chief executive Craig Wilkins has announced he will step down following ten years at the helm of the organisation.

Kristy Bevan, chief executive of the Nature Conservation Society of SA (NCSSA), will step in as interim chief executive while the organisation’s board prepares for its next phase.

Wilkins has led the organisation since 2013 and helped create The Joinery environment hub on Franklin Street. He also spearheaded a campaign to stop the state government’s high-level nuclear waste dump.

“It has been an enormous privilege to be at the helm of such a vital organisation through this important time of change,” said Wilkins.

“Conservation SA plays a unique and essential role: as the voice of our sector, facilitating action, building alliances and stepping up when threats or opportunities emerge.”

New top dog for Adelaide venues

Martin Radcliffe has been appointed chief executive officer of Adelaide Venue Management which operates Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium.

Radcliffe has been general manager of the Adelaide Convention Centre since May 2022 where he helped the venue attain EarthCheck master status sustainability certification.

“While we were extremely impressed with the quality of the applications we received, Martin’s vision for the future of the business stood above all others,” AVM chair Andrew Daniels said.

“In Martin, we have an energetic and accomplished leader who understands the relationships we have nurtured, sees the opportunities in front of us and has a clear plan of how to capitalise on these and continue our growth trajectory.”

Experienced corporate advisor joins AEDA board

The former head of Australian corporate affairs for global energy giant ENGIE, Jim Kouts, has been named as a board member for the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA).

Kouts currently serves as chair of HomeStart and also occupies various non-executive director and senior advisory roles for South Australian organisations like Adelaide Venue Management Corporation and Business Events Adelaide. He’s also a strategic advisor for Adelaide Airport Limited.

AEDA board chair Nikki Govan welcomed Kouts, who will succeed businessman Manuel Ortigosa at the conclusion of his term.

“The board is enthusiastic about harnessing Jim’s expertise in commercial decision-making, his adeptness in fostering and sustaining interpersonal relationships, and capacity to provide a clear strategic focus,” Govan said.

“His expertise will be a valuable addition to AEDA’s skills-based board.”