Corporate Ladder: Your guide to executive appointments in Queensland
Queensland’s executive appointments column tracking the movements of those driving the state’s public and private sectors.
Buchan appoints first female CEO
Global architecture and design firm Buchan has appointed Laraine Sperling as its new CEO – the first woman to lead the company in its 135-year history.
Sperling will lead the firm’s five studios, located across Australia and New Zealand
Since starting with the firm in 2021, Sperling has served as Chief Strategy Officer where she transitioned the firm from a regionally-managed business to a sector-focused model.
She brings extensive experience in senior roles across multi-disciplinary international design firms and client-side roles with mixed-use global developers.
“As one of the custodians of the Buchan brand, I am honoured by this appointment,” Sperling said. “I am excited to be leading the talented Buchan team into the next stage of our growth, ensuring that we continue to build our design culture while offering sound commercial outcomes for our clients.”
She added that her priorities were to support the Buchan team to pursue design excellence, while ensuring the firm remained financially strong and resilient.
Buchan Director and Chair Phil Schoutrop said the executive leadership was delighted that Sperling has accepted this pivotal role.
“Her global career, strategic approach, and focus on cultural and generational change provide a strong foundation for leading the next chapter in Buchan’s evolution,” Schoutrop said.
Engineering firm expands directorship for 50th year
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Ashburner Francis recently appointed four new directors ahead of the engineering consultancy’s 50th anniversary.
The appointments are all long-term employees; John Kereczko, Clinton Walker, Neil Scott and Michael Heaslip.
Kereczko and Walker have been promoted to directors after several years providing clients with engineering consultancy consultancy services for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and energy-efficiency projects.
Meanwhile, Scott joins long-term Director Wayne Benson to build on the firm’s success in the Townsville region.
Michael Heaslip takes over the reins of senior management at the firm’s Northern Territory office from director Graham Heaslip, who will remain as a Senior Associate .
These appointments bring the total number of directors to nine, joining managing director Brian Kenny and Directors Toby Murdoch, Lara Harris, Paul McKenna and Wayne Benson.
Managing director Brian Kenny said Ashburner Francis’ expanding directorship reflected a promising trajectory as the firm entered its sixth decade.
“The demand for our services, and the quality of our work, is outstanding and these talented and driven individuals have played a significant role in securing our position in a competitive marketplace,” Kenny said.
Director-General appointed to lead Youth Justice
The State Government has appointed Michael Drane as Director-General of the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support for a five-year term, which commenced on Friday July 10.
Drane has two decades of experience in youth justice and human services, and has been acting Director-General since January this year.
His previous roles include deputy Director-General of Youth Justice Services, senior executive Director of Youth Detention Operations and Reform, and executive director of the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said Drane’s appointment will provide strong and stable leadership for the department as the Government continued its focus on making Queensland safer.
“Michael has extensive operational and strategic experience, with a deep understanding of Queensland’s youth justice system and the challenges facing it,” Gerber said.
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“His appointment ensures continuity of leadership as we continue to deliver on the Crisafulli Government’s unwavering commitment to making Queensland safer, supporting victims of crime and improving outcomes for young people.”
Cancer Council Board expansion
Cancer Council Queensland has announced the appointments of Todd Everitt as chair of its board and Wendy Tancred as deputy chair.
Everitt has been connected to Cancer Council Queensland since 2016, first as a member of the People and Culture Advisory Committee before joining the board and becoming deputy chair in 2023.
He brings experience in strategy, transformation and organisational leadership across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to the role.
Tancred, who joined the board in 2023, brings further depth, integrity and respect for the organisation’s purpose and communities with experience across financial services, technology and social enterprise.
Cancer Council Queensland chief executive officer Matt Gardiner said the appointments reflected both continuity and a refreshed focus for the organisation.
“This transition signals a new chapter for Cancer Council Queensland – one that builds on strong foundations while bringing renewed energy, clarity and alignment to our priorities,” Gardiner said.
As part of this renewal, Cancer Council Queensland has commenced a recruitment campaign to appoint three new Board members to support the organisation’s future governance, strategic direction and priorities.
New CEO appointed for TSBE
The Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) recently appointed CEO Jo Sheppard officially stepped into the role on Monday July 13.
Incoming TSBE Chair Ian Macfarlane said the Board was delighted to welcome Sheppard back to the organisation.
“Jo is an outstanding appointment for TSBE,” Macfarlane said. “She knows the organisation and the region and brings the leadership, networks and regional understanding needed for this next phase.”
Sheppard previously served as general manager of Food Leaders Australia within TSBE and is currently CEO of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF).
She brings direct local government experience as former Mayor of Paroo Shire Council and cross sectorial knowledge having worked across multiple industries throughout her career.
“Jo also has extensive experience in membership organisations, having held senior roles with QFF, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Momentum Mental Health (formerly the Toowoomba Clubhouse), AgForce and TSBE. That experience will be invaluable as we sharpen our focus on member value, advocacy, partnerships and regional growth,” Mr Macfarlane said.
Sheppard said she was honoured to be appointed to the role of CEO and appreciates the opportunity to deliver for the members of the region more broadly.
“I look forward to working with the TSBE board and team to connect members with opportunity and to continue to build a strong future for the organisation and the region.”
This appointment comes as TSBE transitions to independence from Toowoomba Regional Council, with the next phase to be led by incoming Chair Ian Macfarlane.
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