ADELAIDE: ELEVATE | Developing the next generation of leaders: An evening of Inspiration, Networking, and the Adelaide Advantage

Supermarket retailing has always been part of Franklin’s career, initially starting in a Foodland store at the age of 18, and then progressing through various FMCG Business within South Australia. Franklin’s passion for all things Retail ultimately led to senior executive  food manufacturing, strategy, marketing and sales roles across Australia with Goodman Fielder.

Returning to Adelaide brought him back to his loved Foodland brand by the way of leading both the merchandise and retail operation business units for Metcash.

Franklin also spent 10 years as Joint Managing Director for Santos Retail, owning Foodland and IGA stores and has a clear understanding of what it takes to operate both flagship retail stores and a family run business.

Franklin has served on company boards as non executive director for the IGA National Retail Network, South Australian Independent Retailers Association (SAIR) and as the Deputy Chair, followed by Chair, for Foodland Supermarkets Australian across 10 years.

Currently Serving on the Brand SA Government Board and as the Chief Executive Officer Foodland Supermarkets Australia, Franklin leads and continues to grow the largest supermarket retailer in South Australia with 95 stores .

Skye McKenzie is the Senior National Account Manager for Bickford’s Australia, managing both Coles and Woolworths Supermarkets, and Costco Australia. Working alongside a high performing team, Skye has grown the Bickford’s portfolio ahead of category, positioning Bickford’s as the #1 Premium Cordial brand, and largest Premium Juice supplier across Australia’s two largest retailers. Managing over 80% of Bickford’s sales volume, Skye is responsible for delivering growth, profit, and executing joint customer plans through end to end project management across both marketing and operations, to deliver the best value and products to the consumer each year.

Will Brennan, Acting Chief Investment Officer, joined Duxton in May 2015. His key responsibilities involve the identification, negotiation and execution of investment opportunities, providing ongoing project oversight, and working closely with key stakeholders in developing and implementing strategy objectives.

Will holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Adelaide, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Emily joined Piper Alderman as a Special Counsel in 2021, after having relocated to Adelaide from Sydney where she worked for a specialist employment law firm.

She has around 10 years’ experience practicing as an employment and industrial relations lawyer, assisting and advising employers on how to manage their legal obligations and risks, and navigate employment-related issues.

Emily has acted for a diverse range of employers across both the private and public sector, at a national level. She has conducted numerous investigations for clients in relation to bullying and harassment matters and internal employment disputes, and regularly assists clients in the areas of managing long and short term injured workers, difficult workers compensation claims, performance management and disciplinary issues, discrimination and harassment, as well as unfair dismissal and general protections claims.