ARA Council
Nicole Sheffield (she/her)
President
People Committee Member
Resident of NSW
Nicole was appointed Managing Director, Wesfarmers OneDigital in November 2021, leading the Group’s cross-divisional data and digital strategy and implementation. This includes the OnePass membership program, the Group shared data asset, and from July 2022, the Catch marketplace.
Prior to joining Wesfarmers, Nicole held a number of leadership roles. She was the Executive General Manager, Community & Consumer, at Australia Post where she led the Australia Post retail network of 4400 Post Offices, digital channels and the customer contact centre. Previous roles include Chief Digital Officer and Managing Director, Digital Networks at News Corp Australia, overseeing digital strategy, audience and subscription growth, and Chief Executive of NewsLifeMedia, leading the lifestyle publishing division.
Nicole is a regular speaker and commentator on business and media and is the President of the Australian Retailers Association Council and a member of Chief Executive Women. She has previously served as Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Advisory Council, Chair of the Interactive Advertising Bureau Australia and was a non-executive director of Capital Health. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University and a Masters of Business from the University of Technology Sydney.
Jane McNally (she/her)
Vice President
People Committee Member
Executive Director
by charlotte
Resident of NSW
Jane has over 30 years experience in international retail including major UK fashion businesses Primark, Alexon, Peacocks and Dorothy Perkins. Jane has been a Board Member for 18 years and has been a highly successful CEO for the past 11 years, across a range of private capital, listed, and founder-owned businesses.
Sarah Hunter (she/her)
Secretary
Officeworks
Resident of VIC
Prior to joining Officeworks, Sarah worked across many areas of the Coles Group in positions including Financial Controller, State General Manager Victoria, General Manager Workplace Strategy and most recently Demerger Program Director, overseeing Coles™ implementation of the proposed demerger from Wesfarmers.
Drew Meads (he/him)
Treasurer
Audit & Risk Committee Chair
Board Chair and Franchisee
Forty Winks
Resident of ACT
Drew is the Chairman of the Forty Winks Group and has operated a Forty Winks franchise for the past 15 years. Drew has an intimate knowledge of franchising and is a skilled director with extensive experience in governance, strategy and risk mitigation. Drew also has experience in the hotel and resort industry with several multinational brands.
Sharon Beaumont
Council Member
People Committee Chair
GM of People and Communication
7-Eleven
Resident of VIC
Sharon has more than 20 years experience in leadership and human resources roles across the retail, finance, health and franchising industries. Her roles have seen her contribute to organisations such as Grill’d, Australian Unity, Coles Myer and currently with 7-Eleven Australia. Sharon brings her skills as a human-focused strategy leadership expert to the ARA board.
Gavin Carter (he/him)
Council Member
CEO
Betta Stores Retail Group
Resident of QLD
Gavin has over 30 years of experience in the consumer electronics and appliance industry. With a track record of success across areas of national retail management, strategic planning, buying, marketing and business acquisitions. Currently the CEO of Betta Stores Retail Group, where he continues to implement innovative and diversified solutions to enhance BSR’s market position. His extensive experience, ability to build collaborative relationships and navigate the retail landscape, has been instrumental to drive growth and profitability for the organisation.
Krista Diez-Simson (she/her)
Council Member
Audit & Risk Committee Member
Chief Financial Officer
T2
Resident of VIC
Krista Diez-Simson has over 15 years experience in retail, with a passion for small to medium sized, privately owned and founder-led businesses. Her retail experience includes fashion, food and wine through to her current role at leading plus-size women’s fashion retailer, Taking Shape. For the past six years, Krista has combined her love of finance with operations holding dual CFO/COO roles.
Tanya Tindall (she/her)
Council Member
Audit & Risk Committee Member
General Manager
Kailis
Resident of WA
Tanya has over 25 years experience in both large corporate and privately owned organisations as a senior finance executive across banking, professional services and retail. As the General Manager of Kailis Jewellery she has led the business through a restructure and expansion of retail and digital channels. Her collaborative approach inspires positive results for employees, shareholders and customers. Tanya is driven by creating unique and memorable experiences for customers and works closely on the optimisation of supply chain operations, brand, and consumer marketing. Her experience as a Chartered Accountant has expanded to include the breadth of business operations in an ever changing retail environment.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ARA Annual General Meeting 2025
Date:
Thursday, 4 December 2025, 11:00am – 11:45am AEDT
Location:
Online, via Zoom
All ARA Members are invited to attend the ARA AGM, which will be held online via Zoom, and you must register in advance.
ARA x NRA Leaders Forum 26
Date:
Wednesday 25 February – Thursday 26 February 2026
Location:
ICC Sydney
ARA x NRA Leaders Forum 26 unites senior leaders, policymakers, innovators and visionaries from across Australia’s retail sector for two days of insights, strategy and collaboration at ICC Sydney.
