BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAUL BILLINGHAM
NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHAIRMAN
Paul is the former National Managing Partner of Grant Thornton’s Australian Financial Advisory and Consulting practices and Chair of its Sydney office. An expert in restructuring, governance, strategy formulation and implementation, he now supports a number of Boards and executive leaders throughout the Asia Pacific region in both non-executive and advisory roles. A keen yachtsman, Paul is the Immediate Past Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, organising authority of the iconic Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and still works actively with Australian Sailing to improve governance and risk mitigation practices in the sport.
DARREN SCHUBACK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Darren Schuback is an Australian entrepreneur and award-winning CEO who founded The Whiskey Project Group in 2018 with the mission to create operator-focused watercraft that provide optimal performance and protection for those who risk their lives in the maritime environment. Darren is a former military officer with over 24 years of operational and leadership experience in the Royal Australian Navy and ADF Special Operations. Darren’s naval experience included operational oversight of a warfare operation command centre, a military training institution, naval warships and a special operations counter terrorism unit. In each of these roles he designed and led the deployment of operational strategies to meet Australian Defence Force directives. Darren has a distinguished record in leading, mentoring and guiding staff at all levels within his organisation, through change management projects, cultural improvement and creating efficiencies in capability output. Darren is professionally renowned for ‘making it happen’- converting project plans into successful outcomes. This unwavering focus is now concentrated on The Whiskey Project Group, which he oversees as Chief Executive Officer.
RYAN CARMICHAEL
NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Before embarking on The Whiskey Project journey, Ryan built a formidable career in Defence and the Public Sector, including more than 15 years of highly accomplished and commended service as a Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer with the Royal Australian Navy. He has worked globally across complex environments with both government and industry, leading cross-functional teams to deliver practical outcomes and highly effective business solutions. An Executive Level professional, Ryan's experience has primarily been focused in the areas of command and leadership, operations, plans, project implementation and capability management roles. He also served distinguished tenures embedded with the Australian Special Forces (2nd Commando Regiment) and the Royal Navy (UK). He is known for his expert knowledge as a specialist in the areas of maritime autonomous systems, ship handling and navigation, counter terrorism and mine warfare and clearance diving.
SOHRAB FATAAR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A technology entrepreneur, Sohrab has over 20 years’ experience across IT, Sales and Supply Chain for the Coca-Cola network and in start-up environments across Asia, Australasia and Japan. Sohrab has successfully spanned roles covering Strategy Development & Execution, Governance, Large Scale IT Transformation Projects, Business Relationship Management, Business Transformation, Acquisition integration and Service Delivery. Sohrab is the co-founder of Pi Sqrd, working across Manufacturing, Health, FMCG, Mining, Cybersecurity, Telecommunications and Government sectors and holds a number of director positions.
BRETT SANGSTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brett is a Partner at McCullough Robertson, leading their Defence & National Security practice group with a sharp focus on supporting ADF capability and a flourishing sovereign Defence industry. Brett brings to The Whiskey Project Group board over 20 years’ experience in government and private enterprise, and 14 years military service with the Australian Army. A thought leader and business strategist in the Defence & National Security sector, Brett brings a unique appreciation for the requirements of the contemporary war-fighter in the modern operating environment.
Building upon his military experience, Brett’s enterprise skills have been developed from performing leadership functions across multiple industries, including defence & government, energy (Oil & Gas), engineering & construction, and resources.
Brett also holds the position of Chairman of Wandering Warriors, a veteran’s support not-for-profit that seeks to assist special forces soldiers transition back into civilian life.
JOHN LOWRY
NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
John has a national and international reputation for his ability to construct a future vision for organisations. The former Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, he has been active in the Pacific promoting development maritime security and a regional approach to countering trans national crime and supporting South Pacific naval and constabulary forces. In a career spanning four decades, John held senior defence and navy leadership positions including Assistant Chief of Defence, Capability and Fleet Commander. He is a strategic decision maker with a proven ability to lead large and small complex organisations. He has a passion for developing environmental leadership and is motivated to make real change for the benefit of the organisation, community and country. John is an independent director, a Gateway Reviewer of large infrastructure projects, a TWPG NZ representative and the Executive Director of the New Zealand Ocean Foundation and serves as a reservist in the RNZN as Rear Admiral.
STUART ROBERTSON
NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Stuart formally joined Ellerston in 2018 after serving as a consultant to Ellerston since September 2014. Stuart has broad experience in investment banking, funds management and alternative investments and has held senior roles at BT Funds Management and Zurich Australia. Stuart is a qualified CA, a Fellow of FINSIA and graduate of the AICD. In addition he holds an MBA from the MGSM.