HOLLY MARTIN
Senior Vice President
Holly Martin is a successful and experienced marketing strategist with over two decades of helping businesses grow their visibility and market presence. She is the Founder and Managing Director of The Marketing GP, a boutique agency supporting SMEs, national brands, and global enterprises across industries like health, professional services, and manufacturing.
Holly is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has held board roles with organisations including the Hunter Academy of Sport, ConnectAbility and Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. She was President of Newcastle Business Club in 201, and an active contributor to the region’s business and innovation ecosystem.
GLENN THORNTON
President
Glenn Thornton is the Technical Director at AECOM. Having recently worked at the Port of Newcastle and overseen the development of a masterplan for the proposed Container Terminal, Glenn has decades of experience running projects and organisations in the Hunter region and across Australia. His professional career has included infrastructure work in the transport, energy, water and environment sectors in both project management and project advisory roles.
Glenn is passionate about the Hunter region and looks forward to making a strong contribution in the business and general community.
ASHLEIGH JOHN
Director
Ashleigh John is a Solicitor and Director at Mullane & Lindsay Solicitors and chairs its Board. Ashleigh graduated from the AICD Company Directors course in 2021 andhas a particular interest in supporting SMEs in Newcastle and the Hunter, particularly following the disruptions and challenges of 2020 and 2021.
As a casual academic at the University of Newcastle, Ashleigh is also passionate about maximising the advantage of the links between the University and the local business community and drawing on the international reputation of the University for the benefit of businesses in the region.
aaron johansen
Vice President
Aaron Johansen is CEO of Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG), director of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain Co-Ordinator and chair of the ARC, and was an advisory board member of the Hunter Research Foundation Centre. With experience mining, infrastructure and energy sectors, Aaron has extensive skills in financing, financial control, business development and corporate governance. CPA qualified, with a B. Comm from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Business & Technology from the University of NSW. Aaron is passionate about the economic development and prosperity of the region, and places strong emphasis on developing real community connections.
TONY RHODES
Director
Tony Rhodes is the owner and CEO of Mullane Group, which provides a range of trades services. Tony began his plumbing apprenticeship with H.L Mullane at the age of 15 and bought the company from the Mullane family 20 years later, after working through management and leadership roles. Tony is also a founder and part-owner of Prophase, an electrical contracting company, and The Mullane Foundation, a registered charity providing hands-on help in communities without access to clean water, sanitation, shelter or electricity. He is a past president of both Newcastle Rotary Club and Newcastle Master Builders Association and has served on advisory boards for SIDS and the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.
LAUREN EYLES
Immediate Past President
Lauren Eyles is an MBA-qualified Executive with a passion for growing businesses, people and communities. A qualified coach, she empowers leaders and teams to connect with their purpose and design and achieve compelling goals. Lauren has held executive leadership roles across the tourism, ports and utilities sectors through times of transformation. She has led communication and established strong stakeholder relationships across New South Wales, gaining support for organisational strategies and ESG initiatives. She holds an MBA (Distinction), qualifications in project management, coaching and change management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
SEAMUS BURKE
Director
Seamus Burke is a partner of Sparke Helmore, a national law firm which started in Newcastle in 1882 and now has more than 870 people in nine offices around Australia, including Newcastle and Muswellbrook. Seamus is part of the Workplace Group where he advises employer clients in relation to all aspects of the employment relationship, including employment law, industrial relations and safety. Seamus grew up in Newcastle before spending time working in Sydney and London. He has a specific interest is the provision of equal employment opportunities within local businesses to maximise the potential of our home-grown talent for the future of the Hunter region.
STEVE WAIT
Director
Steve Wait, CEO of The Business Centre Newcastle, brings a wealth of expertise in innovative business support, with a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. He specializes in advancing small to medium enterprises in the Hunter region, driving growth, ethical leadership, and sustainable practices. Steve’s focus on new business development, SME growth, and business resilience ensures customized support for regional businesses. His dedication to fostering innovation and aligning entrepreneurial success with societal impact makes him an influential advocate for small business in the Hunter
Michael huggett
Director
Michael Huggett is the Director of CHD Partners, bringing over 20 years of expertise in work health and safety, compliance, security, and training. A former NSW Police Sergeant with 16 years of service, Michael also holds a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education and multiple diplomas in business and leadership. He serves as President of Lake Macquarie Business and actively supports community initiatives like Hunter Melanoma Foundation and State Blue Light Disco. Passionate about empowering small to medium businesses, Michael champions collaboration and growth among Hunter chambers, drawing on decades of advocacy and leadership experience.
JUDITH FIELD
Director
Judith Field is the Business NSW representative on the Business Hunter Board and is a Director of both organisations. She is an experienced manager in the construction, education, and retail industries, including 20 years with Lendlease where she had a strong focus on workforce participation, economic and social sustainability in development projects across Australia. Judith worked for 11 years at the University of Western Sydney (now WSU) in business development and research commercialisation and was an elected representative on the Board of Trustees. Over her career, Judith has been a passionate champion for building the capacity of SME’s and not-for-profit organisations, particularly in regions, and has been an active volunteer on a number of these entities.