The people behind the work
Partners
Mark Wilde
View ProfileMark Wilde
Mark has worked in and on behalf of the public sector in Australia and the UK for over 25 years. With a background in finance and commercial advisory, the latter part of Mark’s career has focused on leadership of complex policy implementations and programs. These include major infrastructure, technology, business transformation and turnaround programs. Mark has highly developed leadership, problem solving and commercial negotiation skills, having been a Partner with EY and establishing his own very successful consulting practices in Australia and subsequently in the UK. His exceptional interpersonal skills mean he has the ability to quickly build credible, trusted relationships at senior levels and with strong influencing skills at board, executive and political levels.
Jesper Antonsen
View ProfileJesper Antonsen
For over 20 years Jesper has led complex, high profile change and transformation programs across the Australian public sector. With a background in health service management and with a particular focus on strategy, data, digital and technology transformation, he has become a trusted advisor to health agencies in QLD, NSW, SA and Commonwealth as well as to the broader public sector. Jesper has led major commissioning and contestability policy reforms across NSW, QLD and the Commonwealth governments. Equally comfortable working at executive and operational delivery levels, Jesper has successfully delivered end-to-end organisational restructures, developed and delivered complex public policy, large scale change programs, high risk technology implementation turnarounds and led supply chain/logistics response during COVID-19 resulting in major business transformation.
Seaton Ellick
View ProfileSeaton Ellick
Seaton is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across both public and private sectors. During this period, he has predominately focussed on the Transport sector in Queensland, including several key roles in the transformation of service delivery for Queensland Commuters. His expertise includes leading strategy and policy development, transformation program design / delivery and integrated operational planning. Seaton has a track record in the successful delivery of significant change in complex stakeholder environments, including navigating the complexities of delivering outcomes in a multi-agency environment with a wide range of stakeholder interests.
Directors
Richard Cassidy
View ProfileRichard Cassidy
Richard has over 15 years of experience in a variety of senior leadership roles within both the public and private sectors. Richard is recognised for his strong leadership and ability to assist organisations achieve their strategic objectives. Richard has strong program and project management experience in public sector organisations undertaking large transformational change programs. Richard has significant experience leading the development and implementation of public policy including complex politically sensitive stakeholder engagement and navigating required approval processes to achieve required outcomes efficiently.
Jim Claxton
View ProfileJim Claxton
Jim has over 30 years of experience across major rail projects in Australia and the UK, Jim brings deep expertise in strategic advisory, rail planning, systems integration, and operational readiness. His leadership on programs such as Cross River Rail, Sydney Metro, and Crossrail demonstrates his ability to deliver complex, high-profile projects. Jim’s collaborative approach and proven track record will enhance our ability to support clients in delivering safe, efficient, and future-ready rail solutions.
Associate directors
Sarah Webster
View ProfileSarah Webster
Sarah is a highly skilled and experienced finance professional with over 15 years of experience in a variety of roles in both the public and private sector. With a background in finance and analysis, business improvement, project management and corporate recovery, Sarah’s strong analytical skills and attention to detail enable her to identify and define opportunities and implement effective strategies that drive change. Sarah’s interpersonal skills enable her to build strong and trusted relationships with senior leaders and executives. With a passion for delivering exceptional results, Sarah ensures that every project is executed with precision and professionalism.
Nicolette Pavlovski
View ProfileNicolette Pavlovski
Nicolette is an experienced project manager with extensive delivery expertise working across Government agencies. Her project management roles include digital and technology transformation, major events, disaster recovery and transformation of central services including payroll, finance and logistics. Nicolette has played a significant role in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Game organisation and legacy assessment, being part of an award winning team that delivered the Gold Coast Commonwealth Game Legacy report. Nicolette also brings deep experience in procurement planning, ICT operating models and management, PMO design and mobilisation and business case delivery.
Rachel Miller
View ProfileRachel Miller
Rachel has 20 years of project management experience including in strategic planning, procurement and transaction management and delivery of infrastructure and operational services. This experience spans a range of sectors including health, education (schools and early learning), water, banking and transport. Rachel brings a unique perspective as a result of her background in both engineering and law. Rachel has worked as both a consultant and at senior executive level in Government.
Christiaan Betros
View ProfileChristiaan Betros
Christiaan has over 10 years of diverse experience working on major rail projects, having successfully led numerous high performing teams. He is adept at project disruption planning, disruption management and driving efficient outcomes for passengers, infrastructure projects and operations. Christiaan is also skilled in fostering relationships, influencing across boundaries, and applying a pragmatic, business-focused approach to ensure quality results.
Tara Gardiner
View ProfileTara Gardiner
Tara is an executive leader with 20 years of experience developing and delivering complex programs and policy initiatives across the public sector. A pragmatic strategy and policy advisor, Tara has successfully driven organisational reform, navigated politically sensitive environments, and translated strategy into real-world outcomes. Her work includes leading national immigration operating reform, shaping climate and energy policy, and delivering infrastructure strategy for multi-billion-dollar portfolios. Tara excels in stakeholder engagement and executive influence, bringing strategic insight and collaborative leadership to ambiguous challenges and cross-sector change initiatives.
Senior managers
Dianne Gallie-James
View ProfileDianne Gallie-James
Dianne brings more than 20 years of experience consulting on complex infrastructure and engineering projects across both the public and private sectors. She has worked within project management and delivery teams on major rail transportation projects, spanning the full project lifecycle—from business case development and procurement through to delivery. Her international experience includes projects in the UK, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. Dianne’s core strengths include multidisciplinary project coordination, project and program management, scheduling, stakeholder engagement, project controls, reporting and budget management, contract administration, and bid management.
Roshan Roy
View ProfileRoshan Roy
Roshan is a highly accomplished project and program management professional with an extensive track record of providing critical advisory and assurance services across diverse industries. His exceptional expertise is founded on substantial experience in optimising project and program management practices, particularly within complex transformation initiatives in both the private and public sectors. Roshan’s profound impact is evident through his contributions to various governmental and private sector projects. His achievements encompass managing and leading teams, enhancing program delivery frameworks, and delivering strategic assurances for large organisations. Roshan brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven ability to drive success to any project or program.
Helen Stokes
View ProfileHelen Stokes
Helen is a results-driven Project Management Professional with several years of experience delivering complex multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and rail programs. She has proven expertise in establishing governance frameworks, implementing performance management systems, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver critical outcomes and new capability. Helen demonstrates the ability to transform fragmented processes into integrated, scalable solutions that enable executive decision-making and drive measurable improvements. She is known for combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution to solve complex integration challenges in high-pressure environments.
Managers
Michaela Jervis-Hamilton
View ProfileMichaela Jervis-Hamilton
Michaela is a highly skilled Senior Consultant with expertise in finance, risk management, process assurance, disaster response, and customer experience. She has successfully led and contributed to numerous high-profile projects, including economic recovery initiatives, program design, and strategic planning. Michaela’s strengths lie in her ability to engage stakeholders, develop effective strategies, and implement innovative solutions. Her experience spans various sectors, allowing her to bring fresh energy and valuable insights to the Skotte team.
Eliza Plummer
View ProfileEliza Plummer
Eliza brings a unique blend of analytical precision and operational insight that helps clients solve complex workforce challenges. With deep expertise in transport operations, rostering, and enterprise agreement interpretation, she designs tailored solutions that improve efficiency, compliance, and workforce performance. Her strength lies in turning data into clarity, using advanced reporting and visualisation to uncover opportunities and guide smarter decisions. Clients value Eliza’s ability to deliver practical, data-backed outcomes that align with strategic goals and operational realities.
Alex Jack
View ProfileAlex Jack
Alex is an accomplished Management Consultant with a proven track record in leading complex transformations and large-scale operational programmes. With more than 14 years’ experience working in both the private and public sector including the Department of Defence, Alex is an expert at integrating strategic advisory, PMO governance, and change management to drive organisational efficiency. Alex is results-driven and adept at navigating sensitive stakeholder ecosystems to deliver superior commercial and professionalising-critical outcomes.
Senior Consultants and Consultants
Dermot Murphy
View ProfileDermot Murphy
Dermot is an experienced management consultant and project management professional, with in-depth experience working with national and international teams across multiple industries in the public and private sectors. Dermot’s management consulting experience includes change management, communications management, business process transformation and strategic development management. Dermot is exceptional at building strong trusting relationships with clients, to efficiently and effectively deliver solutions that meet project and organisational requirements.
Emma Howson
View ProfileEmma Howson
Emma brings 4 years of Project Management experience from her work with the Rail Safety Standards Board and Network Rail in the UK. She has successfully managed over 25 projects, driving impressive results and industry benefits. Her professionalism and collaboration skills have consistently led to successful project outcomes. Emma’s expertise in project planning and stakeholder engagement is invaluable to our team.
Rachael Aston
View ProfileRachael Aston
Rachael Aston is an engineering and project professional with experience supporting and delivering complex industrial and infrastructure projects across resources, operations and construction environments. With strengths in project coordination, governance, reporting, and stakeholder engagement, Rachael will help our clients in delivering successful outcomes on complex, fast paced programs with multi-disciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.
Sofia Duskovic
View ProfileSofia Duskovic
Sofia recently completed a double degree in Business and Design developing a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. She brings experience in client services, social media strategy, and project coordination, supported by skills in research, design thinking, and stakeholder communication. Driven by a commitment to meaningful outcomes and authentic audience engagement, Sofia approaches every project with curiosity, intention, and a strong sense of purpose.
Tara Pollock
View ProfileTara Pollock
Tara holds a double degree in Commerce and Science (Biomedicine), studied across The University of Queensland and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, giving her a strong foundation in analytical thinking and evidence‑based problem‑solving. Adaptable, driven, and people‑focused, Tara approaches every project with curiosity and a genuine commitment to making a meaningful impact and supporting our clients.
Robert Podesta
View ProfileRobert Podesta
Robert brings a strong foundational background in economics, research, and analytics and with experience building analytical models and utilising Power BI dashboards. He combines analytical thinking with a solid understanding of policy and data at the intersection of government.
Business support
Ella Mapleson
View ProfileElla Mapleson
Ella is responsible for the day-to-day running of Skotte Group’s back-office operations. We are impressed with Ella’s friendliness, enthusiasm, professionalism and work ethic! Skotte Group hopes to give Ella a chance to broaden her skills, learn new things and exploit her talents as she embarks on her own career journey with our support.
Associates
Johann Oberholzer
View ProfileJohann Oberholzer
Johann is a chartered accountant with expertise in data, analytics, modelling and project management, notably in health as well as the wider public sector. He has provided analytical and project management support on complex transformative programs in supply chain logistics, procurement, disaster recovery and infrastructure development. Johann’s technical skills include Excel modelling, PowerBI, SAP S/4HANA, SAP GUI, combined with Johann’s financial and accountancy expertise, provides real value to clients in the planning and execution of projects across a wide spectrum.
Alastair Sharman
View ProfileAlastair Sharman
Alastair Sharman is an experienced digital health executive with more than 30 years leading large‑scale digital transformation, information management, and technology services across public and private healthcare. A nationally recognised CIO, he has been voted among Australia’s top 10 CIOs, chaired the Australian Private Hospital CIO Forum, and advisor on Digital Health standards. Alastair has held senior roles including most recently as Group Chief Digital Officer of the Mater Group and currently serves as a Non‑Executive Director at CPL.
Mark White
View ProfileMark White
Mark brings over 25 years of experience delivering strategic financial advice on complex infrastructure programs. He has extensive corporate finance experience advising public and private sector clients on major infrastructure projects, PPPs, government asset divestment transactions, project finance advice, project feasibility studies, financial modelling and business case development. Mark has led financial and commercial work across sectors including transport, health, water, energy, and education. His expertise includes feasibility and business case development, capital structuring, PPP transactions, and financial modelling. Mark is recognised for his deep understanding of government processes and his ability to deliver practical solutions that support investment and policy outcomes. Mark’s combination of strategic insight, financial expertise and hands‑on transaction leadership allows clients to structure bankable projects, unlock value and achieve policy objectives efficiently.
Russell Bowles
View ProfileRussell Bowles
Russell brings over 41 years of experience in the health sector, including a distinguished tenure as Commissioner for the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS). Under his leadership, the QAS became one of Australia’s most stable and respected ambulance services. Russell excels in strategic planning, organizational transformation, and managing large-scale budgets and teams. He is highly skilled in building strong stakeholder relationships and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational performance. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has left a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.