Alumni News October to December 2025
Showcasing the achievements, insights and impact of Melbourne Business School graduates worldwide
Events recap
NSW Alumni Chapter hosts leadership panel with Harvard, London Business School and Stanford
On 27 November, the New South Wales Alumni Chapter brought together more than 70 alumni from Melbourne Business School, London Business School, Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia for an engaging panel discussion on ‘Managing in Complex Times: Adaptive Leadership’.
Moderated by Olga Fridman (Senior Executive MBA 2019 and pictured, centre left), Executive General Manager, People and Culture, Civeo Australia, the conversation featured senior executives from each school (pictured above from left to right): Oliver Bladek, CEO of Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics and a Harvard Business School alum; Amanda Hughes, Chief People Officer at QBE Insurance and a London Business School alum; and Tony Surtees AM, Chair of Food Ladder and a Stanford Graduate School of Business alum. The panel shared insights and real-world examples on:
- What makes the current business environment so complex?
- What do leaders need to unlearn?
- How has leadership changed?
- How can leaders navigate without well-established playbooks?
- How do leaders personally cope with overwhelming complexity?
Guests enjoyed reconnecting before and after the session, strengthening ties across global alumni networks.
Thank you once again to our NSW Alumni Chapter committee members Selwyn D’Souza (MBA 1995), Andrew Wilson (MBA 2013) and Michael Diamond (MBA 2002) for making it happen.
The NSW Alumni Chapter is already planning a dynamic calendar for 2026, including another collaborative event with other business school alumni associations. Read a more detailed report about the November event here.
Beijing meetup with Dean Jenny George
On 1 October, four alumni in Beijing caught up with our Dean, Professor Jenny George (pictured above from left to right: Corrine Chee, Jenny, Hexian Wang, Grace Bao and Kay Chai) during China’s Golden Week public holidays.
The group discussed developments in AI, shared memories of life in Melbourne and how they currently connect through a WeChat group, which they use to organise gatherings and activities.
The alums also expressed enthusiasm for a mix of social and professional activities, including themed roundtables and sightseeing outings such as a trip to the Great Wall.
Our thanks to Corrine Chee in Beijing and Jill Tang (MBA 2012) in Shanghai for helping us make this a memorable occasion.
Alumni-organised panel explore pathways to buying and growing businesses
On 21 October, the School's Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition alumni community held an event featuring five speakers who shared four distinct approaches to business acquisition.
Pictured from left to right below, Mike Ting (Executive MBA 2020) and Dan Thompson (Executive MBA 2020) of Plastifab explored partnered self-funded search. Tim Boyd of Aerosweep discussed traditional and self-funded models. Abdy Mohamed (MBA 2019) of SME Ventures introduced the accelerator model, while Matt Kopp (MBA 2015) of Enduring Investment Partners covered sponsored search.
Breakout sessions allowed attendees to dive deeper into strategies for buying and growing businesses.
We’re grateful to Jase Berry (MBA 2025), Jerom Geerts (MBA candidate), Tim Wong (MBA 2014) and Ashleys Alfs (MBA 2015) for bringing this event together.
Women’s Alumni Network hosts inspiring retreat at Peninsula Hot Springs
On 8 November, more than 40 alumni and students held a one-day retreat at Peninsula Hot Springs, organised by the Women’s Alumni Network in partnership with the Women in Leadership Student Club.
Highlights included a keynote workshop by Anna Mercer, Founder & Director of Greenways Group, a yoga session, networking and reflection activities, nourishing meals, and rejuvenating hot springs.
We are grateful to organisers Claire Anglim (MBA 2023 and Chapter President), Fiona Sherwin (MBA candidate and Women in Management Club President) and committee members Caitlin Lynch (MBA 2021), Jennifer Mancuso (MBA 2023) and Afsaneh Rashidi (MBA 2024) for bringing this group together!
Retail alumni chapter panellists discuss fostering curiosity and innovation
Entrepreneurship Chapter launches with startup stories and networking with Harvard, INSEAD and industry partners
Melbourne Business School’s Alumni Entrepreneurship Chapter officially launched in October, drawing over 40 alumni alongside peers from Harvard Business School and INSEAD.
The chapter aims to facilitate meaningful connections, foster knowledge exchange, and provide strategic support to accelerate the growth of ventures across diverse stages and sectors. It will support (current or future) entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investors and advisors to the startup ecosystem.
The inaugural event featured entrepreneurship stories from (pictured below from left to right) Sid Shrestha (MBA 2018), co-founder of Varicon, and Leo Leng (Master of Business Analytics 2015), owner of Supaw Pet Bakery. The panel was moderated by Priyanka Nadkarni (MBA 2014), Director of Window Seat Consulting.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Dean, Professor Jenny George (pictured above, centre).
Varicon was born at Melbourne Business School, where students from diverse programs collaborated to create a software-as-a-service platform for the construction industry.
In contrast, Leo acquired Supaw Pet Bakery and transformed it from a local pet food shop into a growing e-commerce and pet lifestyle brand.
The chapter closed the year with a second networking event in November (pictured, below). The event connected alumni founders, investors, and industry partners from organisations such as Uber, Boson Ventures, and Tin Alley Fund. Attendees used the gathering as an 'idea validation corner,' sparking conversations to accelerate venture growth.
The entrepreneurship chapter is excited to build a full program for 2026. If you’d like to join the committee, speak at an event, or host one, please connect with Sunny Singh (MBA 2020), Leo Leng (Master of Business Analytics 2015), or Priyanka Nadkarni (MBA 2014).
Join us on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at Melbourne Business School for an interactive session exploring founder programs like TRAM, MAP, and Velocity, plus insights into VC funds including Tin Alley Ventures and Genesis. To reserve your spot now and connect with alumni, investors, and innovators shaping the future of entrepreneurship, sign up here.
End of year alumni celebrations in London and Brisbane
In London on 4 December (pictured, above), ten alumni and associates braved a cold winter’s evening at The Drop Bar in Kings Cross to celebrate the end of 2025, catch up with familiar faces and make new connections. Our thanks to chapter committee leaders John Oliveri (President and MBA 2013), Remya Ramesh (MBA 2018), and Sasini Wijesiri (MBA 2020).
Similarly on 17 December, a group of alumni gathered in Brisbane for an informal end-of-year catch-up organised by Chapter President Susan Chenoweth (Senior Executive MBA 2021). (Pictured, below)
"I personally loved meeting so many fantastic new people and hearing their stories," Susan said. "Journeys spanning China, California and regional Queensland, and yet somehow all converging at Melbourne Business School, with rich lives beyond that chapter.
"The conversations were a real highlight — ranging from philosophy and joining a new running group to great podcast recommendations and some wonderful professional connections."
Alumni Reunion Celebrations
Celebrating 10, 40 and 50 years: Alumni return to campus for milestone reunions
Over the past few months, Melbourne Business School has proudly welcomed alumni back to campus for three major reunions, bringing together graduates from the Classes of 2015, 1975 and 1985.
These milestone events, spanning 10, 40 and 50 years of school history, follow the 30-year and 20-year reunions held earlier in June and August, continuing a vibrant year of alumni reconnection.
The season began on 10 October, when the MBA Class of 1985 gathered for their 40-year reunion lunch that ended with a school tour.
Their cohort was among the last to attend lectures at the former Residential Management Centre, now Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton, before Melbourne Business School’s purpose-built home at 200 Leicester Street opened on 2 December 1986.
Reflecting on the day, Paul Van Veenendaal (pictured below, centre) spoke warmly about reconnecting and paid tribute to their late classmate Jim Lawrenson, who “provided a great perspective to many of our business discussions".
Paul also revisited a famous syndicate project led by Paul Coughlin, Thomas Burrowes and Phil Harkness. The finance assignment argued for floating the Commonwealth Bank, then fully owned by the government.
As Paul Van Veenendaal remembered: “The project made the argument that the financial performance of the Commonwealth Bank did not rate anywhere as well as the other major banks and that if it was floated it would provide a better return to the Australian public.”
The analysis prompted media interest and even a direct objection from the bank’s managing director to the University of Melbourne’s Vice-Chancellor and to the Dean, John Rose.
"John's response was to support the MBA students and reiterate that it was this innovative thinking that was important to the development of the next generation of leaders in Australia," Paul said.
Six years later in 1991, the first 30 percent of CBA shares were floated at $5.40, echoing the project’s conclusions.
On 31 October, the Class of 2015 returned to celebrate their 10-year milestone (pictured, below).
Alumni from the MBA, Executive MBA, Senior Executive MBA and Master of Business Analytics programs toured the School’s refurbished spaces before an evening of food and music and after-party drinks in Fitzroy.
Full-time MBA alum Ashley Alfs (MBA 2015) reflected: “The food, drinks, music, and tour of the school renovations since we left were all so thoughtful and complete. Our 10-year MBA reunion was the evening we didn’t know we needed.”
Finally, on 20 November, the reunion series concluded when seven members of the Class of 1975 gathered for their 50-year celebration (pictured, below).
Hosted by Deputy Dean, Academic, Professor Tava Olsen, the group enjoyed lunch before touring a campus transformed since their days at the University of Melbourne site.
“It was great to catch up again with my MBA peers — some I had kept in touch with, and others not having met for a long time,” said Brian Timms.
Fellow Class of 1975 alum Mike Knoche added: “It was a small but significant event… (It was) particularly fruitful to have Tava Olsen bringing us up to date on current courses and school activities.”
A decade on, EMBA 2015 alumni reconnect over lunch
On 29 November, around 25 members of the Executive MBA Class of 2015 got together for a long lunch at Marmont restaurant and bar in Melbourne’s Southbank area.
“Ten years on, this group is every bit as inspiring as when we first came together,” said organiser Gavin Chew. “An outstanding afternoon — and for some, evening — of reconnection, reflection, professional insight, and plenty of laughter.
"It’s inspiring to see how far everyone has come as we celebrate this milestone and the journeys behind it," he added. Our thanks to organisers Gavin Chew, Jimmy Mouzakiotis and Christopher Bu for bringing this event to life.
In addition to the combined program reunion events organised by the school, quite a few individual program cohorts arrange their own reunions.
If your cohort would like to arrange an event at the school, please get in touch with the Alumni Relations team.
Class of 2025 graduation celebrated at alumni reunion
On 18 October, around 70 alumni from the past five years and guests came together at Melbourne’s Garden State Hotel for a relaxed afternoon catch-up. The event doubled as an afterparty for the Class of 2025, who had graduated earlier that day at Melbourne Town Hall. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with peers and warmly welcome new alumni into the community.
Special thanks to May Wong (MBA 2023), Jackie Mao (MBA 2024), and Jase Berry (MBA 2025) for organising this fantastic event!
Alumni in the news
Congratulations to Mardi Steere (Senior Executive MBA 2018), Executive General Manager, Medical & Retrieval Services (SA/NT) at the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, and her team for winning the 2025 InnovationAus GovTech Award. Their Virtual Emergency Centre, launched in William Creek in March 2024, uses satellite connectivity and telehealth to deliver lifesaving care in some of Australia’s most remote regions, preventing multiple aeromedical retrievals and redefining modern remote healthcare. Read more about this initiative here.
Nick Carthew (Advanced Management Program 2015) was profiled in the October 2025 issue of the CEO Magazine, where he shared his remarkable journey of transforming AME Systems. After taking over his father’s struggling manufacturing business in 2014, Nick led a turnaround that more than doubled revenue within just 18 months. In the article, Nick credits a pivotal piece of advice from a Melbourne Business School mentor for shaping his leadership approach and becoming the foundation for AME Systems’ success. Read the full story and watch the podcast here.
Congratulations to Laura McGrath (MBA 2014) and Jonathan Lindsay (MBA 2021), board director and advisory board member, respectively, at Rahma Health, which won two Telstra Best of Business Awards for Victoria. Recognised for its impact in championing health and accelerating women, Rahma Health creates culturally safe health and parenting resources for multicultural communities around the world. Read more about Rahma Health’s award-winning initiatives here.
Alumni appointments
Amelia Vellar (Executive MBA 2025) has been appointed CEO of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Northern Territory. A seasoned public sector leader, Amelia brings extensive experience in organisational reform, infrastructure delivery, and strategic planning across Territory and local government.
Charlie Thomas (Executive MBA 2020) has been appointed CEO of the Victorian Farmers Federation. Charlie brings a bold five-year vision to restore financial strength, rebuild trust and reconnect with farmers across Victoria. Raised on a farm in New South Wales and with deep advocacy experience, including serving as Deputy CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation, he’s already securing wins on emergency service levies, drought support and superannuation tax policy. Read his full interview with the North West Farmer here.
Chris Illman (Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing 2004) has been appointed to the board of Maggie Beer Holdings Ltd, an ASX-listed food and gifting company based in South Australia. Ross brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience across FMCG, liquor, and hospitality, including executive roles at globally recognised companies.
Ross Barrows (MBA 2004) has been appointed Head of Capital Strategy and Investor Relations at Sharon AI, a Neocloud firm. Ross has over 25 years’ experience in capital markets and financial services, specialising in digital infrastructure and data centres, having worked in both Australia and the US. He was most recently Head of Technology Research at Wilsons Advisory, and prior to that, led the Small Cap Equity Research franchise at Citigroup over his 14 years at the firm.
Stuart Gregor (Master of Marketing 2000), co-founder of Four Pillars Gin, has been appointed CEO and Managing Director of Lark Distilling Co., effective January 2026. Stuart brings decades of experience in public relations, marketing, and the food and beverage industry, having led Four Pillars to international success. His vision for Lark includes a focus on the brand’s history and positioning Tasmanian whisky on the world stage, starting with new packaging and a focus on export markets. Read his full interview with the Mercury here.
Susan MacLeman (Master of Marketing 1997) has been appointed Non-Executive Independent Deputy Chair of Rhythm Biosciences Limited. With over three decades of leadership in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology, Susan brings deep expertise in health administration, commercial strategy, and governance across listed companies, advisory boards, and government councils.
Tony Ristevski (Senior Executive MBA 2005) has been appointed Group Chief Financial Officer of PEXA, an ASX-listed property settlement platform. Tony has more than 20 years of executive finance experience in Australia and internationally, most recently as CFO of ASX-listed WEB Travel Group Limited. Previously, he was CFO of ASX-listed TechnologyOne Limited and held various finance and operational executive roles at ASX-listed Computershare Limited across Australia, UK and the US. More details here.
MentorLink Pilot Program is live!
The MentorLink Pilot Program, developed in partnership with the Student Representative Council and a working group of students and alumni, is officially underway!
Following mentor-mentee matching on 10 November, participants joined an online briefing on 24 November to receive resources, guidance, and hear insights during a fireside chat with John Gurskey, Director of Career Services, and Mithran Doraisaimy (MBA 1994), executive coach and former EY and Korn Ferry partner.
The session concluded with a Q&A to set the stage for a successful mentorship period running through March 2026.
We’d like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of the working group who designed, developed, and executed the matching process: Max Kamali (SRC Alumni Liaison Officer and Group Chair), Chaitanya Talari (Executive MBA 2025), Lenny Chudri (MBA 2014), Mithran Doraisaimy (MBA 1994), Sherming Wong (current MBA student), and Vidyuth Kadiresan (Executive MBA 2024).
To find out more about studying at Melbourne Business School, visit our Degree Programs and Short Courses pages, or learn about our range of services For Organisations.
