SEMMA Board Members for 2024/2025 as elected at the Annual General Meeting held on 05 September 2024.
President
Peter first joined SEMMA’s Board in July 2013 before moving to the role of Vice President after 7 years, then President in 2019. He is the Founder and Managing Director of ABECK Group, is highly involved in community service and has appeared on ABC’s ‘Hard Quiz’.
Vice President
Ian joined the SEMMA Board in July 2019 before quickly ascending to the role of Vice President in 2020. A family man, Ian, his wife Latinka Cubitt and their family have proudly owned and operated Catten Industries in Bayswater since 1994.
Secretary
Matthew is the Director of Celsius Sheet Metal, a HVAC duct manufacturer making things in Dandenong. Matthew has worked internationally for PWC and Andersen, with a background in technology, consulting and manufacturing. He is a vocal supporter of creating entrepreneurial opportunities, small government and getting people into meaningful work.
Treasurer
Michael is the General Manager of McKinna Group, joining SEMMA’s Executive team at our 2023 Annual General Meeting. Leading a team of almost 50 individuals in Braeside, he is a passionate advocate for local content, energy prices and operational costs for manufacturers.
Chief Executive Officer
Honi commenced with SEMMA in February 2023. Over the last twenty years, she has dedicated her career to business development, strategic relationship building and communications as well as co-owning a local manufacturing business.
Sam is the CEO of AW Bell and the third generation of his family to spearhead the company, having been heavily involved in the business from an early age. An active leader, Sam maintained a regular, friendly presence at the SEMMA Australian Manufacturing Week 2023 stand.
Markus is the owner and manager of o.d.t. Engineering, a board member of SEMMA, and an active contributor to local community groups. He works closely with Local and State Governments and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute.
Scott’s clients at Macpherson Kelley (a founding SEMMA member) describe him as the person who gets them out of trouble. Scott helps solve their legal issues so they can focus on the important things, like running their business safely and productively.
Markus has been a long-serving member of SEMMA’s General Committee and is celebrating his 10th year with Nissan Casting. After completing his Masters of Mechanical Engineering in Munich, Markus worked in both China and Australia.
Simon serves as the CEO of the Hardman Group, which includes Hardman Bros, R&I Instrument & Gear Co, and Marks 4WD. With a 30-year career across both corporate and private industrial sectors, Simon is dedicated to championing the manufacturing industry and safeguarding sovereign capability.
Nataly is the Industry Development and Stakeholder Engagement Director at Alstom. She has responsibility for developing and leading industry development strategies and local content activities in Victoria. Alstom is a leader in developing innovative and sustainable transport solutions with key projects under way in Victoria, across Australia and New Zealand and internationally.
Jill Walsh played a key role in the establishment of SEMMA in 2003. In 2018, she was honored as the inaugural Woman Manufacturer of the Year and has recently served as the Victorian Rail Advocate.