In a significant reshuffle, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) has announced the appointment of eight new staff members. This move aims to fill existing vacancies and bolster the execution of its Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. The appointments include Mags Scholes as Production Executive (SA led), Neil Rennison as Acting Game Development Executive, Jessica Giacco as Talent Development Manager, Astrid Samuel as Program Systems Manager, and Gavin Heard as Head of Corporate.
SAFC has also introduced new roles, with Carmel Boffa joining as Client Services Coordinator, Yanhui (James) Fu as Cleaning and Maintenance Officer, and Brian Scarce as First Nations Programs Lead. The corporation emphasized the extensive experience these individuals bring to their roles, with Scholes having over 25 years in production and international projects, and Rennison boasting a similar tenure in game development.
Shake-up at Prophecy International Holdings
Meanwhile, significant changes are also underway at Prophecy International Holdings Ltd, a South Australian software developer. CEO Brad Thomas has resigned, marking the end of an era that began in 2016. Thomas’s tenure saw the advancement of key products like Emite and Snare, alongside the expansion of international operations. Ed Reynolds, the current chair, steps in as acting CEO during the search for a new leader.
In a related development, Matthew Michalewicz has resigned from the board to avoid a conflict of interest amid a proposed merger with Complexica, where he serves as CEO. The resignations, coupled with a warning of unexpectedly high customer losses, resulted in a 26.09% drop in Prophecy’s shares, placing it at the top of the Losers list in InDaily’s recent Business Insight.
New Leadership at GPEx and Regional Council
GPEx, a provider of clinical, educational, and technological capabilities for the primary care sector, has appointed Beth McKenzie as CEO. McKenzie, a Chartered Accountant with a rich background in strategy and financial management, has been with GPEx since November 2024. Her previous roles include CFO positions at Murray Zircon and Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
In the regional council sphere, Barunga West Council CEO Maree Wauchope has announced her resignation to join SA Housing Trust as Executive Director of Property Services. During her tenure, Wauchope spearheaded infrastructure investments and community initiatives, leaving a notable legacy as she departs on October 31.
Public Relations and Education Sector Developments
Belinda Public Relations (BPR) has expanded its team with the addition of Kate Rosman and Chrissie Zikos. Both bring substantial expertise in public relations and marketing, with Rosman having a background in media relations and Zikos in social media strategy. Their appointments are expected to enhance BPR’s capacity to deliver impactful campaigns.
In the education sector, Dara School has appointed Tania Allen and Dr. Emma Goodall as co-principals. Allen, a foundational teacher at Dara, and Goodall, a nationally recognized leader in gifted education, are set to lead Australia’s first school dedicated exclusively to gifted education.
Spacetalk Board Welcomes New Member
Finally, Spacetalk has announced the appointment of John Bird to its board as an independent non-executive director and chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. Bird brings over three decades of public company experience, particularly in financial and strategic direction within the biotech, technology, and gaming industries.
Spacetalk’s chair, Georg Chmiel, expressed enthusiasm for Bird’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience as a valuable asset as the company continues to expand, particularly in international markets.
The wave of leadership changes across South Australia’s corporate landscape underscores a dynamic shift aimed at fostering growth and innovation across various sectors. As these organizations navigate their new directions, the impact of these appointments will be closely watched by industry observers and stakeholders alike.
