Board of Directors

John is the Chief Executive Officer of Experience Gold Coast, a new entity dedicated to enhancing tourism, events, arts and culture, and education for the City of Gold Coast. With over 25 years of executive and non-executive experience, John has excelled across industries including hospitality, sport, tourism, executive search, business consulting, and retail property. He has held senior leadership roles with global organisations such as Accor, where he served as COO, Odgers Berndtson, and Westfield (Scentre Group) at the Group Executive level. Earlier in his career, he worked with iconic Australian brands like David Jones and Westpac, as well as in investment banking in the UK.

John’s governance experience includes serving as Chairman of Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s lead tourism agency, and as Chairman of Cricket NSW, a position he held from 2013 to 2018. He was also Deputy Chairman of the Bradman Foundation from 2019 to 2022.

A Stanford Executive Program (SEP) graduate from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, John is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders and the Customer Service Institute of Australia, as well as a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Michael Dobbie-Bridges is a distinguished Paralympian and leader in adaptive sports, having represented Australia in wheelchair tennis at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and six World Cups. As Head Coach and three-time All Australian for Queensland in AFL Wheelchair, Michael has demonstrated exceptional leadership and was named the 2024 AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year for his efforts to expand the game across the state.

In his role as Director at Create Advisory, Michael specializes in developing strategies that enhance community accessibility, effectively managing complex stakeholder relationships, and driving engagement through co-design. His professional background spans senior positions in both the public and private sectors, highlighting his expertise in governance, strategic planning, and community-focused outcomes.

Michael’s governance experience and commitment to inclusive initiatives includes serving as Chairperson of Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association and as a Board Director at Disability Employment Australia. 

Mary-Ann is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of FleetCrew, a leading 4WD hire business serving industries including mining, construction, renewables, and government across Australia’s eastern states. With extensive executive experience in the commercial fleet rental market, she is recognized as a pioneer in the field. Her results-driven leadership style and strategic expertise have been instrumental in transforming vision into commercially successful operations. Mary-Ann has also led significant corporate initiatives, including the acquisition, merger, and rebranding of companies.

A passionate advocate for women in business, Mary-Ann mentors small business owners, fostering growth and development within the community. Her dedication to community engagement earned her an Australia Day Certificate of Achievement in 2023. She actively supports and contributes to numerous organizations, including the Carers Foundation, Man Up, A Brave Life, All Abilities Australia, and Down Syndrome Queensland.

As a Board Member of the NOW Business Network, Mary-Ann regularly sponsors, organizes, and hosts charitable events, demonstrating her strong commitment to leadership and community impact.

Stephen is the Managing Director of BMS Group, a global firm specialising in insurance, reinsurance, and capital markets advisory services. Before transitioning to a corporate career, Stephen had an illustrious 15-year professional rugby career. He remains Australia’s most capped Super Rugby player and one of only two Australians to achieve the rare milestone of 100 Test and 150 Super Rugby appearances. As Captain of the Wallabies, Stephen led the team to victory in the 2011 Tri-Nations Trophy and guided them to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final.

In 2019, Stephen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant contributions to rugby union and charitable organisations. His governance experience includes board roles with Lifeline Canberra, Invictus Australia, and Ronald McDonald House SEQ. He currently serves as a Trustee on the board of Brisbane Grammar School.

With a background in leadership at the highest level of sport, coupled with his corporate expertise and charitable board service, Stephen brings a unique perspective to organisations focused on strategy, community engagement, and high-performance outcomes.

Brendan is a highly experienced Board, Investment, and Remuneration Committee Member with more than 14 years of service as Director and Deputy Chair, and 25 years in senior executive roles, ranging from General Manager to Chief Executive Officer. His extensive leadership experience spans both private and listed company structures.

Brendan holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). He has furthered his expertise with advanced courses in Strategic Management from Wharton Business School and in Leading and Building an Innovative Culture from Harvard Business School.

Brendan's contemporary and innovative leadership capability is underpinned by a strong foundation in governance and strategy. He has led businesses through periods of growth, transformation, and investment, ensuring both operational excellence and sustainable financial performance.

Through his work on various boards and committees, Brendan has developed a unique perspective on corporate governance, risk management, and long-term value creation. 

Clare Stewart is a former Mayor of Noosa Shire, former barrister-at-law, published author, and experienced leader. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) from the University of Queensland, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Bond University, and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Sydney.

Her legal career includes roles as a law graduate at KPMG specialising in the area of taxation and as a barrister-at-law, showcasing her expertise in governance and complex problem-solving.

Despite sustaining a life-changing injury, Clare's resilience led to the publication of her autobiography Standing on My Own Two Feet, detailing her journey. She was the founder of ‘dear molly’, a global women’s network, and has served as a Director on the Board of Youngcare.

As Mayor, she represented the region on the South-East Queensland Council of Mayors and the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Clare is the current CEO of Youngcare, a role she began in February 2025. 

Debra Rains is the owner and manager of Gallivanter Travel, a regional travel agency group with locations in Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton. With over 37 years of experience in business, Debra has demonstrated adaptability and strategic vision, successfully evolving her enterprise to remain relevant in a dynamic industry.

A strong advocate for community engagement, Debra has held numerous leadership roles on not-for-profit boards and committees. She is currently a Foundation Member of the Townsville Business Women’s Circle and a board member of Food Relief NQ. Her previous governance roles include President of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, Trustee of Townsville Grammar School, Board Member of Dance North, President of the Townsville Business Women’s Network, and Member of the Reconstruction Advisory Board for Townsville’s post-flood recovery. Additionally, she has contributed to economic development initiatives as part of the PNG and Singapore Economic Development Committee and the Townsville Port Authority.

Debra’s extensive governance experience, community focus, and strategic acumen make her an asset to organisations driving regional and statewide impact.