Senior Executive Management

John Lorente is a senior executive and company director with extensive experience across strategy, operations, M&A, business transformation and commercial leadership within the building products, manufacturing and distribution sectors. He has held senior executive and Board roles across listed and private organisations, leading businesses through growth, transformation and complex market environments.

John is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Big River Industries Limited, having joined the Group in February 2018 and been appointed CEO in March 2023. He has led the development and execution of the Group’s strategy, including business transformation, investment in manufacturing capability, portfolio development, strategic acquisitions and the continued development of its national distribution network.

Prior to Big River, John spent 12 years with ASX listed GWA Group Limited in senior management roles across Australia and the United States, with responsibility across its building products businesses. Earlier in his career, he held commercial and management roles within the coatings and construction materials sectors.

John also serves as a Non Executive Director of Natbuild Group Pty Ltd and the National Timber & Hardware Association.

John holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney and a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

John O’Connor joined Big River in August 2022. Prior to this role, John had a wide and varied commercial career in both Australia and Europe, across a range of manufacturing and distribution businesses. His most recent role as CFO & Company Secretary at Youfoodz Holdings included the public listing of the business in 2020 and its ultimate sale to the Hello Fresh Group in 2021.

John has a BComm, is a Chartered Management Accountant and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Helen Awali joined Big River in July 2025, as Executive General Manager – Construction and is also responsible for Group Marketing. Helen brings extensive senior management experience in the construction and building materials industries, along with a strong track record of entrepreneurial drive and leadership across operations, sales, and marketing. Most recently, she served as Head of Sales at Fletcher Insulation, part of the Fletcher Building Group, where she led a national sales team, drove strategic growth initiatives, and consistently exceeded revenue and market share targets. Earlier in her career, Helen held key roles at Capral Aluminium and James Hardie before founding and successfully running her own business. 

Helen holds an Associate Diploma in Applied Sciences (Arch.) and a Master of Business Administration (Marketing Management) from the Australian Institute of Business. 

Scott joined Big River Group in January 2024. Prior to this role, Scott held the position of National Sales Manager at Laminex Australia and, before that, held senior sales and operational roles at BGC, Knauf and James Hardie. Scott brings with him a successful track record of successfully growing large-scale businesses in our industry.

Scott holds a Master's of Business Administration from The University of Adelaide and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Damien joined Big River Group in March 2023. Damien is an accomplished leader with expertise in strategy development and delivery, enterprise architecture and organisational change. Prior to this role, Damien served as Chief Technology Officer at Youfoodz Australia and has extensive experience across various manufacturing industries, as well as FMCG, Finance, and Technology.

Damien holds a Master's of Business in IT Management from the University of Technology, Sydney and is a Graduate of the Queensland University of Technology in Computer & Electrical Engineering.

Gareth Watson was appointed as EGM – Supply Chain and Manufacturing in January 2024 and has over 20 years of experience in supply chain management across both the building and consumer products sectors. Before joining Big River, Gareth held a range of senior supply chain and manufacturing leadership roles across DuluxGroup and Boral.

Gareth holds a degree in Material Science and Engineering from the University of NSW.