The LaunchVic Board will be the first board in the innovation sector with more women than men – with female business leaders to make up 54 per cent of the team.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis today announced the board will be chaired by Australia Post reformer, Ahmed Fahour.
Speaking at the Above All Human startup and entrepreneur conference in Melbourne, Mr Dalidakis said the Andrews Labor Government had secured some of the country’s leading company directors and CEOs from across the tech, professional and financial services sectors.
LaunchVic is the Labor Government’s new $60 million body, announced in December, and is primed to help accelerate startups, drive new ideas and create jobs in Victoria.
In line with the Labor Government’s commitment to have at least 50 per cent female representation on public boards, there will be six women on the LaunchVic Advisory Board.
With Mr Fahour at the helm and a majority of the new board with experience as company founders and venture capitalists, Mr Dalidakis said he was confident the team had the right innovative and entrepreneurial spirit needed to steer the new body and deliver Victorian startups what they need.
The appointed board members include:
- Ahmed Fahour, Managing Director and Group CEO, Australia Post (Chair)
- Elana Rubin, Director, Mirvac Group (Deputy Chair)
- Jo Burston, Managing Director, Job Capital
- Tim Fawcett, Director Corporate and Government Affairs, Cisco Systems Australia
- Dominique Fisher, Executive Chair and Managing Director, CareerLounge Pty Ltd
- Con Frantzeskos, CEO, PENSO
- Phillip Kingston, Managing Director, Trimantium Capital
- Jane Martino, Head of Social Segment, ANZ Bank
- Rachael Neumann, Managing Director Australia, Eventbrite
- Kee Wong, Managing Director, e-Centric Innovations
- Susan Wu, Head, Stripe Australia and New Zealand
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis
“This is an amazing team to steer LaunchVic and is one that has some extraordinary success stories and a wealth of experience in this space – there has never been a more exciting time to be a startup in Victoria.”
“The calibre of women on this board should also, absolutely, dispel the myth that government and corporate boards cannot meet a 50/50 target.”
Quotes attributable to incoming LaunchVic Chair, Ahmed Fahour
"I'm excited to Chair the Board of LaunchVic which is made up of many talented business innovators and entrepreneurs who are committed to providing the best environment for business start-ups to thrive and grow right here in Victoria."
Reviewed 19 August 2020