Board Members

Martin Monro has been an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company since September 2021 and became Chair on 4 October 2023. He was formerly the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Watpac Limited from August 2012 until his retirement in an executive capacity in June 2019. Martin has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian and International construction sectors, with a proven track record in prudent financial management, safety leadership and successful expansion into new markets. Martin remains a Non-Executive Director of Watpac Limited. Martin is also a Non-Executive Director of Fleetwood Limited and Service Stream Limited where he Chairs the Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee respectively.

Martin has formal qualifications in Psychology and Human Resources Management, is a graduate of the Accelerated Development Program at the London Business School, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building.

John Lorente joined Big River in February 2018 and was appointed Managing Director & CEO on the 1st of March, 2023. Prior to joining Big River, John worked for GWA Group Ltd (a leading supplier of building fixtures and fittings) for 12 years where he had various roles senior management roles within both the Heating & Cooling, and Kitchens & Bathroom divisions which included roles in both Australia and the USA. Prior to his time at GWA Group Ltd, John worked for several years in the coatings and construction markets, including roles with Mirotone, Polycure and Corian.
John holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, a Masters of Business Administration from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and is an Affiliate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Vicky Papachristos is an experienced non-executive director and has been involved across various operational, strategic and creative roles with organisations including Shell, Westpac, Coventry and Myer. She has an Engineering degree from Monash University and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management.

Martin Kaplan has been a Non-Executive Director of the Company since November 2015 and a director of the Operating Company and Big River Group Holdings Pty Ltd since February 2016. Martin is currently an Investment Director of Anacacia Capital Pty Ltd, the management company of the Major Shareholder Anacacia. Martin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Cape Town and previously qualified as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa & Canada).

Brendan York is an experienced financial executive and previously held the role Chief Financial Officer of Enero Group Ltd. Brendan is a Chartered Accountant and has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce from Macquarie University.

Brad Soller is a highly experienced executive having held various CFO positions with public companies in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Most recently Brad was Group CFO of Metcash, a position he held for six years, and prior to that served as the CFO of David Jones and as Group CFO of Lendlease. Prior to moving to Australia, Brad held a number of senior financial positions in the United Kingdom including that of Chief Financial Officer at BAA McArthur Glen Limited and Director of Finance at UK listed electrical retailer, Thorn plc.

Brad is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Accounting and a Master of Commerce.