Chairman - Paul Lahiff

Paul is an experienced senior executive, previously being Managing Director at Mortgage Choice, Permanent Trustee, Heritage Building Society and WDScott.

He has held other senior executive roles with Westpac, PA Consulting Group and the Australian Federation of  Credit Unions.

In addition to his role as Chairman, he is Chair of LIXI Australia and a non-executive director of Thorn Group Australia and Cancer Council NSW.

Chief Executive Officer - Kip Frame

Kip joined our team in 2012 and is responsible for the growth agenda of the Stephenson Mansell Group (SMG).  His background combines senior corporate executive roles in Media and IT&T, with experience developing  global professional services firms. He has considerable experience working in Asia, and with global corporate programs for leadership and culture development.   

He is active in client programs and provides a strong business output focus to his facilitation, mentoring and coaching.

Executive Director - Virginia Mansell

As Managing Director of the Mansell Group from 1998-2005, Virginia built a significant and profitable business. In 2005, she acquired and became Managing Director of the expanded Stephenson Mansell Group (SMG).

With the appointment of a Group CEO in 2012, Virginia has now assumed the role of Executive Director.

At SMG, Virginia oversees and delivers a number of key client relationships, directs SMG’s training and professional development program, leads SMG’s business development strategy and is responsible for development of the firm’s intellectual property.

Executive Director – Joe Fischer

Joe Fischer joined the Stephenson Mansell Group in 2007 as an Executive Coach and Program Facilitator. In January 2008 Joe became General Manager and a Director of the firm, in 2010, he became an Equity Partner and in February 2012, Joe was appointed Executive Director.

Joe is an experienced international corporate executive, Executive Coach, Mentor and Facilitator.  He has partnered with CEO’s, Directors, senior executives and business owners and their teams on all aspects of human capital practice.

Director, Major Programs - Nigel Wainwright

In his role as Director-Major Programs for SMG, Nigel leads large, long-term culture change, growth and transformation programs for clients.

Nigel has personally coached/mentored many CEOs, Chairmen, non-executive directors and senior executives, and designed and facilitated numerous workshops for senior executive teams.

National Client Services Director - Jacqui Ferris

Jacqui joined the business in 2010.  She is accountable for growing SMG’s offering nationally, focusing on strategic relationship development and high quality delivery of coaching and leadership programs, to new and existing clients.   As part of her role, she also personally coaches executives and facilitates our programs, at the same time works with clients to design and implement initiatives.   

A key part of Jacqui’s role is hiring and working closely with our Coaching faculty and their selection for assignments.  

State Director, Victoria - Russell Alford

Russell has a track record of success and performance at the most senior levels, forged in the advertising industry in Australia and internationally.

As a former Managing Director of Leo Burnett in Australia, he presided over substantial revenue growth, the acquisition of major corporate clients and creating a strong mentoring culture within the agency. Prior to Leo Burnett, Russell held senior roles with D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles and Ogilvy Mather.

With a deep commitment to nurturing talent and coaching, Russell manages the Group’s Victorian operations on a day-to-day basis.