Executive Members - 2019 (elected November 2018)
Chairperson: Denise Langford
Denise brings to the MBA her 40 years of experience as an active Director of the Langford Family Group of companies including Roysen Engineering, Australian Barbell Company and P&J Sporting Products, representing a total of 160 plus years of Australian manufacturing. A qualified secondary teacher, she has maintained her interest in youth training, and encourages and supports the marginalised into meaningful careers. She has been involved in many committees at local, state and federal government levels.
Deputy Chairperson/Executive Officer: Rod Shell
Rod has more than 25 years’ experience in the management of Australian manufacturing businesses and also worked for nearly 20 years with government agencies in planning and construction management. His experience and strengths include strategic planning, risk and project management, corporate governance, sustainability, business analysis and systems development. He has been a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors since 1991 and was Chairman and then Master of Ceremonies of the Melbourne Business Awards from 1999 to 2012.
Treasurer/Secretary: Gary Nugent
Gary Nugent is the Managing Partner of the Nugents Group and he has been involved with the Business Awards since their inception. As an Accountant and Business Advisor for the past 25 plus years Gary has been involved with Business growth and development strategies as well as advising on optimal management of tax planning opportunities. Gary is very proud of the development of the Business Awards and its on-going success and sees it as a vital part of our community as well as a platform for sharing and promoting success.
Executive Committee Member: Paul Kirton
Paul has worked for 25 years in Dandenong, the manufacturing heartland of Victoria. He is a Principal and Director of Macpherson Kelley and is the firm’s National Head of the Intellectual Property & Trade Group. He assists many of the leading manufacturers and importers/distributors in the region.
In addition to law, Paul has a background in engineering and information technology. His clients benefit from his broad range of technical and industry experience. He can talk their language and understand their technologies. Given his background, Paul has substantial skill and practical experience in all aspects of technology and brand protection, licensing, exploitation and enforcement. He is experienced in all aspects of trade practices and product distribution, including franchising. He implements programs and educates client’s staff about trade practices compliance.
Executive Committee Member: Nabil Salameh
Nabil has over 35 years of varied business experience in both large corporate and small business, and having run a medium sized family business employing 32 staff, has given him the intimate understanding and knowledge of what businesses needs to be successful. He is a qualified engineer, and an accredited business coach and his extensive business skills added to the innovative coaching systems means Nabil provides solid market proven methods of increasing business profitability and performance.
MC: Kamahl Barhoush from Barefoot Business
Event Manager: Kim Mastrowicz from The Main Event
Immediate Past Chairperson 2009 - 2013: Geoff Lawyer
Geoff Lawyer is a Director of Complete Colour Printing and has extensive experience within the print and leadership industry. He’s in the business of making sustainability a viable reality in the workplace – working with innovators, entrepreneurs and surrounding himself with like-minded individuals, whom challenge the norm whilst exploring new strategies that will allow his business and the wider community to thrive in a world change and challenge
