ADELAIDE ELEVATE & PLATFORM: InDaily x Piper Alderman | The X, Y, Z Factor in Leadership

2021 40 Under 40 Alumni

George is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Never Never Distilling Co, based in McLaren Vale. Following eight years building Never Never, George continues to lead the business after its acquisition by Asahi. He is Founding President of Distillers SA, and a board member of Australian Distillers and Brand SA. He’s fearless in his quest for flavour, whether it be in spirits, coffee or cheese. Following a career in Investment Banking and Private Equity, George has enjoyed travelling to distilleries and cocktail bars across the world and is thrilled to live and work in South Australia.

2025 40 Under 40 Alumni

As CEO of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation Verity is passionate about connecting philanthropy with action, driving the Foundation’s mission to create healthier futures for children and their families. She holds an Honours degree in Education and a Master of Business Administration.

With over a decade of experience leading high-performing teams and delivering transformational change for greater social impact, Verity brings strong expertise in relationship management and strategic acumen. She is widely recognised as a values-driven leader, with a career spanning the health, child development, education, and not-for-profit sectors.

2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Industries Award

Edward founded Robinson Aerospace straight after high school, with a mission to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM, by providing the most exciting hands-on experiences. Robinson Aerospace delivers RASCube, a flatpack satellite kit that enables school students to build a satellite and conduct in-class experiments. In June 2025, Robinson Aerospace launched their first satellite into space on board a SpaceX rocket, carrying student-built experiments to orbit.

With leadership experience spanning 25 years across marketing services, not for profit, finance and retail sectors, Joann has led teams to achieve positive commercial results and positive cultures. Taking pride in developing talent within her teams, Joann also focuses on creating meaningful impact that benefits our state and the broader community.

Jon advises liquor and hospitality industry clients and has extensive experience advising clients in respect of liquor licensing and gaming, frequently appearing before the Licensing Court and the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.

He deals with applications to the Licensing Authority in respect of a range of applications including in respect of new licences, corporate structures, licence transfers, landlord re-entries and variations to existing licences, and represents objectors to licensing applications. Jon has considerable experience dealing with applicants and objectors at conciliation conferences, and assists licensees in disciplinary proceedings.

Jon has substantial experience acting for vendors, purchasers and landlords in transactions involving licensed and non-licenses premises and businesses, including advising parties in respect of due diligence, negotiation, documentation and settlement of sale and purchase transactions.

He advises landlords and tenants in respect of all aspects of leasing, including negotiation and preparation of lease documents and advising in respect of obligations under leases and relevant legislation.

Jon has worked on a number of matters involving gaming machine entitlements, including disputes between landlords and tenants and the sale of gaming machine entitlements.

Jon also advises in respect of a range of other commercial and contractual matters.