ARA Council

The ARA Council is the governing board of the Australian Retailers Association, comprising representatives from small, medium and large Australian retail businesses.
Nicole Sheffield (she/her)

President
People Committee Member
Managing Director Data and Digital
Wesfarmers
Resident of NSW

Biography

Nicole leads the development of Wesfarmers™ Group-wide data and digital ecosystem. This is a new role for Wesfarmers, reflecting the strategic importance and growth potential of our data and digital strategies. Prior to joining Wesfarmers, Nicole held a number of leadership roles. Most recently she was the Executive General Manager, Community; Consumer, at Australia Post.

Jane McNally (she/her)

Vice President
Member People Committee

Executive Director
by charlotte
Resident of NSW

Biography

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
Managing Director
Officeworks
Resident of VIC

Biography

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

Biography

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

Biography

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

Biography

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/Chief Operating Officer Taking Shape
Resident of VIC

Biography

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

Biography

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.

FEATURED EVENTS

ARA Employment Relations Breakfast

Wednesday 20 November 2024
8.00am - 10.00am
Melbourne

The ARA Employment Relations Breakfast is a must-attend event for senior retail leaders and HR professionals, offering an opportunity to be part of one of the most pressing conversations in the retail community today: the wellbeing of our people. 

ARA Parliamentary Friends of Retail Group

Wednesday 27 November 2024
11.30am - 2.00pm
Canberra

The ARA Parliamentary Friends of Retail Group will promote the positive role that retail plays in our economy and build awareness about the challenges confronting our sector.

Exclusive to Premium Members


ARA Leaders Forum 25

26 February – 27 February 2025
9.00am - 5.00pm
Sydney

Secure your Early Bird tickets to the premier retail industry event. The ARA Leaders Forum 25 will unite retail executives from all corners of Australia, offering unparalleled networking and cutting-edge insights from the most influential leaders in the retail sector and industry experts.

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