Newcastle Business School Announces New External Advisory Board
The University of Newcastle’s Newcastle Business School announces the establishment of a newly reframed External Advisory Board.
A distinguished network of industry leaders and practitioners, the Board is committed to guiding the School’s strategic direction and ensuring the relevance of academic programs in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Newton-John Alumni medallist and professional company director Samantha Martin-Williams has been appointed as the Chair of the Board. With over 25 years of experience across finance, infrastructure, resources, education and technology sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership expertise to the role. Ms Martin Williams currently serves as Board Director at Fishburners, Deputy Chair of Newcastle Airport Ltd and Chair-elect of NGM Group Australia, one of Australia’s largest customer-owned, multi-brand banks.
In recognition of her industry expertise and commitment to education, Ms Martin-Williams was recently appointed as a Professor of Practice at Newcastle Business School.
Meet the Newcastle Business School External Advisory Board Members
The new Board comprises a diverse group of accomplished professionals who bring a wide range of expertise and insights:
- Samantha Martin-Williams (Chair) - Former CEO with over 25 years’ experience, a non-executive director and Chair-elect for NGM Group, Newcastle Airport LTD and Fishburners.
- Clair Coleman – Chief Marketing Officer at The Wests Group Australia, with extensive experience across sport, hospitality, and property sectors.
- Clayton Hickey – Global Chair of the PKF International Professional Standards Committee, specialising in assurance and risk management.
- Lauren Eyles – MBA-qualified Executive, currently President of Business Hunter the Business Hunter Board.
- Tracey McCosker – CE of Hunter New England Local Health District, with significant experience in health management and governance.
- Rhod McKensey – CEO of Honeysuckle Health, leading provider of healthcare data science and health management services.
- Justin Hales – Founder of Camplify (ASX:CHL), co-founder of the Sharing Hub and non-executive director of Reflections Holiday Parks (Crown Lands NSW). Driving entrepreneurship in the sharing economy.
- Burcak Sezer – Executive General Manager Marketing and Communications at Newcastle Airport, with extensive experience on building brands in consumer goods, travel and aviation sectors.
- Roy Green – Chair of the Port of Newcastle and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, and board member of CSIRO and SmartSatCRC.
- Stephen Conrad – Executive Officer of Litigation Lending Services, with extensive experience in international finance and litigation management.
Professor Skinner, Dean and Head of School at Newcastle Business School, said the Board will be crucial to shaping the School’s future.
“The Newcastle Business School is confident that the leadership and expertise of the External Advisory Board will play an instrumental role in advancing our mission to deliver impactful education and produce graduates equipped to thrive in a complex and changing business environment,” said Professor Skinner.
The Newcastle Business School External Advisory Board commenced operation in March 2024.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.