James Hannan

Chief Operating Officer

James has brought an eye for detail to our business since 2014 in his role as Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for the administrative functions that support all members of Ovato.

James has held operational and management roles in print and marketing services businesses internationally, notably leading the New York operations for Fivia and the property portfolio across the group. There, he worked with some of the largest publishers in America including Gannett, Time Inc. and Viacom.

Andrew Stedwell

Chief Financial Officer

Andrew has had broad digital and print media experience having held senior roles across finance, publishing, operations, general management and marketing. Before Ovato he spent over 20 years at Are Media (Bauer), and before that, Australian Conslidated Press (ACP). 

He holds a graduate Degree in Business from Monash University, a post graduate diploma in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Deakin University.
 

Paul Gardiner

Managing Director, New Zealand

With 25 years’ experience, Paul has worked at some of Australia and New Zealand’s biggest media corporations, including a role as Group Sales Manager at Fairfax Media NZ and 15 years at Bauer Media Australia, most recently as Commercial Director. As Managing Director, he leads Ovato’s New Zealand team to achieve success for our clients across print and marketing.

Brendan Straw

Chief Sales Officer

Brendan has lived and breathed targeted marketing for over 20 years and has been part of the Ovato family since 2010. Under Brendan’s leadership, our teams continually deliver innovative and targeted marketing campaigns for our customers. As Chief Sales Officer, he champions a customer-first approach, improving all aspects of customer sales and service.

Ben Shipley

Chief Innovation Officer

With a focus on data-driven decisions and the application of cutting-edge technologies, Ben’s work has inspired the future of our company. His previous experience includes strategic, creative and advisory roles within Hill+Knowlton Strategies, KEA China, and ConfuciusSays in Shanghai. He brings over a decade of experience working internationally across creative marketing, digital, business, technology and communications to our team, along with a passion for storytelling and innovation.

Julia Farrant

Chief People Officer

Julia’s focus on people-based infrastructure has supported and guided Ovato’s growth into a customer-focused, productive and engaging company. Her 25-year career in HR includes roles across Australia and internationally in the FMCG, financial and service sectors at the likes of Unilever, Masterfoods and Ford. Julia’s breadth of experience includes designing and implementing People and Culture strategy, developing a performance and accountability culture and establishing a solid and understanding leadership framework.

David Hogan

Executive General Manager, Retail and Residential Distribution Australia

David Hogan was appointed Executive General Manager, Retail and Residential Distribution Australia in November 2019. Over his last 28 years at Ovato, David has held senior roles in Operations, Circulation, Client Services, Retail and IT in both Publishing and Distribution.

David has a wealth of knowledge, market experience and vision for the Australian magazine and distribution industries, always driving the team to progress.

Alistair Clarkson

Company Secretary & General Counsel

Alistair’s legal expertise is an essential piece of our Ovato puzzle. With responsibility for all legal and company secretarial activities, including internal audit, he an eye for what matters. Alistair began as Corporate Counsel for PMP in 2001, before becoming Company Secretary and General Counsel in 2009. Prior to joining our team, he worked as a solicitor specialising in commercial law in New Zealand.

Justin Davies

Chief Information Officer

Justin has been an integral part of our Ovato team since 2015, providing much needed support to our I.T. business systems and infrastructure.

He has over 25 years of professional experience in the media and IT industries, with a broad range of skills including consulting, sales, product and IT management. Justin's specialisation in workflow and progressive process transformation has driven our company forward, guided by his years of experience.