Defence in Business Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Thomas Tribsees
Thomas discharged after twelve years in the German Army Signal Corps in 2008 as a captain, after two international deployments to Afghanistan and Kosovo. He then moved to Australia and founded Defence in Business. His background is Digital, Customer Service and Program Delivery. He holds a Doctorate Natural Sciences from the University of the German Armed Forces in Munich and a Certificate in Business Administration from the Queensland University of Technology.
Blake Barrett
Blake served in the Royal Australian Air Force for 28 years as an engineering officer. Blake has since held roles as RPDE consultant, Queensland Rail PM, Smith Family volunteer PM, Parsons Brinkerhoff civil engineering team lead, QinetiQ engineering executive, Turner & Townsend Thinc Senior PM, and Queensland Chair of Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management. Blake has qualifications in business, engineering and project management, with a GAICD, MBA, MSc, CPPM, BEng, CPEng, Engineering Executive, and a Conspicuous Service Cross.
Tim Keeffe
Tim served in the Australian Army as a Logistics Officer for 20 years, enjoying Command at Troop and Sub Unit level. Tim became a consultant in 2015 and is now the CEO of Actrua Performance Cultures leading a global team of facilitators and consultants. Academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Engineering, qualifications in Logistics, Human Resource Management, Coaching and Public Safety and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Queensland Committee
Devon Matsalla
DiB's Queensland Ambassador, Devon retired after 26 years of service in the Canadian Army in 2019 as a RCEME Colonel, where he spend much time leading engineering and logistics programs both domestically and on operational deployments around the world. He moved to Australia where, with DiB's assistance, he established new networks, which eventually led him to senior roles in BHP, Orica and now his current role in Rizing, leading large business transformation programs for multinational firms. He also continues to serve as a senior officer in the ADF Reserves.
Blair Krieger
As a committee member of Defence in Business, Blair leverages his extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management across transport, IT, consulting, and defence sectors. Known for his expertise in strategic procurement and supply chain operations, he has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions in private, state, and government domains. Having completed his service in the Australian Army as a Transport Corps Captain, Blair brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role, offering invaluable insights and strategic approaches within the defence and business sectors.
Richard Wilson
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Mark Broekhuizen
As a DiB QLD committee member, Mark's experience stems from 24 years as an Infantry Officer with the U.S. Marines, where he completed operational deployments throughout the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. He has also served in assignments working across defence, intelligence and diplomatic communities as well as in interagency roles, where he learned the value of networking. After his retirement in 2020, Mark settled in Brisbane, where he's been engaged in program management roles in international development, demonstrating the transferable skills veterans can bring to new careers. Mark has incredible gratitude for the support of fellow veterans and civilian mentors and is proud to support DIB.
Doug Sheridon
Doug served 33 years in the Australian Army and Special Operations. He deployed to Tonga, Malaysia, East Timor, Solomon Islands and Afghanistan with the Special Air Service Regiment. He also served with the United Nations in West Sahara. With a decade as a Special Operations Federal Agent with the Australian Federal Police, Doug possesses a versatile skill set, including diplomatic protection for the Australian Embassy in Afghanistan. He is dedicated to managing and developing veteran support programs, volunteering with organisations like Disaster Relief Australia and Wandering Warriors. Academic achievements include a Master of Business Administration and Emergency Management, Fitness, and Public Safety qualifications.
Jake Bostock
Jake is a passionate Defence innovator whom recently transitioned to the active Reserves after 9 years full time service in the Australian Army. Jake continues to serve within an Infantry Unit's capability development cell and is the lead for various bottom-up innovation projects ongoing within the ADF. Jake now spends the majority of his time in his new role as the Sovereign Capability Scout at Beaten Zone Venture Partners, where he searches the country for Australian companies developing novel disruptive technologies that will enhance both the lethality and survivability of our Nations warfighters.
Kelly Hopkins
Kelly Hopkins is the Director of Defence at Hays since 13 years. She is also the Co-Lead for Hays ANZ for “we Lead” Female Empowerment group. Creating the organisations Veteran Program which was adopted by the UK business, Kelly works with Veteran organisations to increase awareness and create a support community. Kelly with Tim and Katie Walmsley from Benchon created and run “Meet the Primes” a free program now featured through AMDA introducing SMEs to Primes to help expediate Defence supply and technology in Australia. A specialist in Human Capital, Kelly provides insights across STEM, workforce planning, data analysis, attraction strategies, equity and inclusion. Outside of that she is involved in National Security and creating connections within the defence industry.