ASCLA
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Board of DIRECTORS
The ASCLA Board of Directors set the strategic direction of the association and help steer the professional body towards realising its long-term vision and goals, ensuring our members maintain at the core of every decision made.
Steven Ballerini
Chief Executive Officer
Steven Ballerini is an experienced executive and business transformation leader with deep expertise in fourth-party logistics (4PL) and technology-enabled supply chain services. He has led and scaled complex 4PL operations, operating at the intersection of strategy, technology, procurement, and multi-vendor logistics environments to deliver measurable improvements in cost, service, and supply chain resilience for enterprise clients.
Steven has held several senior executive roles with full P&L accountability, leading large-scale turnarounds and go-to-market transformations. He is recognised for his ability to align boards, executives, and operational teams around clear commercial objectives while embedding disciplined execution and high-performance cultures.
A trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and company directors, Steven is known for his energy, commercial insight and collaborative leadership style. He holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School and a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Swinburne University.
Stephen Lakey is an experienced supply chain technology consultant and communications coach with more than 17 years in the industry. He specialises in supply chain digitalisation and operational improvement, partnering with organisations to design efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chain operations.
Stephen is also recognised for his work in developing the communication and leadership capabilities of supply chain professionals, strengthening collaboration across technical and commercial functions.
A committed advocate for mentoring, Stephen has a long-standing association with ASCLA. He previously served as President of the Victorian & Tasmanian Division, spent five years on the board as a director, and currently serves as Chair of the Board.
Natalie Wallace is a seasoned executive boasting over three decades of expertise in the realms of International Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing, and 3PL Logistics. Her extensive background extends to providing comprehensive Supply Chain Solutions across diverse sectors such as Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Finance, Technology, Retail, FMCG, and E-Commerce Fulfilment. With a wealth of domestic and international experience.
Natalie has collaborated closely with prominent Blue Chip organisations, assuming various Senior Leadership positions. In these roles, she has adeptly delivered consultancy services focusing on Global Supply Chain transformation, E-Commerce Fulfilment optimisation, operational streamlining, and strategies aimed at enhancing cost-effectiveness and profitability. In addition to being ASCLA’s Acting Vice Chair, Natalie is also ASCLA’s Director for Queensland.
Division DIRECTORS
Julian Brancaccio has been appointed NSW State Director (late 2024) His leadership within the Association pans five years, including a successful three-year tenure as the NSW State President
Julian’s journey in the supply chain and logistics sector began as a Business Development Manager at Cohesio Group, responsible for he growth of cutting-edge automation and technology solutions. He then assumed the role of National Director of Sales for Australia and New Zealand at HAI Robotics, where he was instrumental in driving the adoption of robotics and automation across the region. Currently, Julian holds a Business Development role at AutoStore, further cementing his expertise in warehouse automation and intelligent storage solutions.
With his deep industry knowledge, strategic vision, and passion for innovation, plus his vast network of associates, Julian will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing industry collaboration with the ASCLA and impact the Australian logistics and supply chain landscape.
Brett McGowran
SA/NT Director
Brett joins Bridgestone Australia in 2024 to support Supply Chain Optimisation for their Pacific region. Previously Brett has worked with the large multi-nationals BHP and Schneider Electric.
He has more than 20 years of experience in supply chains where he has held leadership roles across Asia Pacific related to Quality, Industrialisation, Procurement, Strategy and large-scale Transformations. During this time he has witnessed the evolution of Supply Chains throughout the world, as they have been disrupted and forced to become more tailored, more agile, more sustainable and fully digitized.
He strives to share his experiences and use his knowledge and networks to really support local organisations and to stimulate and grow the professional community that is ASCLA.
Archival Garcia is a seasoned supply chain professional with 20 years of experience in leading sales, marketing, and operations teams across the world. Leveraging industry knowledge and customer-centric approach to deliver innovative and impactful solutions that optimize products, processes and supply chains. He also assists technology brands with brand recognition, revenue growth and go to market execution.
Arch is passionate to help customers use technology and data to create repeatable processes for sustainable success, setting them up for stronger and easier-to-achieve results. Focusing on facts for solving problems, and providing a vision of a better supply chain, and importantly, a path to get there. Archival takes pride in the fact that in every business he has worked in or on, has achieved positive and rapid change and growth.
Arch is also Founder & CEO of Ensemble Solutions, a specialist IT company that identifies requirements for customers and provides consulting or developing software applications to solve them. Ensemble also provides consultation for sales and go to market as well as supply chain software strategy and execution. Based on 30+ years of combined experience in tackling process problems, specifically directed at increasing productivity and efficiency, Ensemble relies on a consultative and innovative approach to ensure customer success.
In addition, Arch is the CEO of Fluent Cargo, an independent, mission-driven organization providing clients with instant access to the information they need to route, schedule, track and manage their shipments better through AI. Centralise schedules, port features, carrier information, port congestion, indicative market index pricing, emissions monitoring, and other factors that influence shipment planning, be it on plane, ship, truck or train.
Brian’s background in Supply Chain and Logistics spans more than twenty years, three continents, and multiple industries in roles encompassing inventory, technology, operations, transport and project management.
Brian has been in Australia for more than seventeen years and has been a member of the ASCLA for the vast majority of this time, progressing through the role of State President to a position representing WA on the association’s National Board.
He’s extremely grateful for the networking, educational opportunities and career development that membership of the ASCLA has afforded him and relished the prospect of developing more industry leaders.
Natalie Wallace
QLD DIRECTOR
0438 508 099
Natalie Wallace is a seasoned executive boasting over three decades of expertise in the realms of International Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing, and 3PL Logistics. Her extensive background extends to providing comprehensive Supply Chain Solutions across diverse sectors such as Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Finance, Technology, Retail, FMCG, and E-Commerce Fulfilment. With a wealth of domestic and international experience.
Natalie has collaborated closely with prominent Blue Chip organizations, assuming various Senior Leadership positions. In these roles, she has adeptly delivered consultancy services focusing on Global Supply Chain transformation, E-Commerce Fulfilment optimization, operational streamlining, and strategies aimed at enhancing cost-effectiveness and profitability.
Adam Peden is a commercial and supply chain leader who’s spent his career working across logistics, technology, and enterprise services in New Zealand and Australia. He’s known for bringing a practical, outcomes-focused lens to connecting commercial strategy with real operational delivery.
At Argon & Co, Adam leads the logistics service line and commercial strategy in New Zealand and works alongside executive teams on supply chain transformation, growth, and network optimisation. A big part of his focus is helping organisations turn their supply chain into a genuine competitive advantage—not just a cost centre.
Before consulting, Adam held senior roles with CEVA Logistics, Ingram Micro and Brightpoint, leading large-scale logistics and services businesses with full P&L responsibility. His experience covers everything from enterprise partnerships and go-to-market strategy through to building and running end-to-end supply chain solutions across retail, technology, and telecommunications sectors.
INDEPENDENT
DIRECTORS
Don has and continues to serve on several charitable boards in Victoria, primarily on the Djerriwarrh Education and Community Services Inc and Djerriwarrh Community College Boards as Treasurer. He's had a long career in public life as a Victorian Parliamentarian for 26 years and served in many capacities such as: the Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Ports; Parliamentary Committee Chair for the Privileges Committee; joint Parliamentary committees and; many others. In 2014, Don was elected Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Don has served in many leadership positions throughout his career.
Wali Aziz
Treasurer
Wali has over 25 years of experience working with large Chartered Accounting firms including Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton and Nexia Australia, providing audit and consultancy services, including due diligence and business reviews, to a range of industries, including small to large not-for profits, large private multinational group, ASX and NSX listed companies. Wali is currently a partner at Walker Wayland NSW in which he heads up the Audit and ESG Division. Walker Wayland NSW is part of the Walker Wayland Australia Association, which on a grouped basis is a Top 20 AFR Accounting Association.
Wali’s core expertise includes advising large and medium sized companies on audit and accounting matters in an innovative and practical manner. Wali’s key strength is his passion with his clients and his ability to always ready to be ‘hands on’ when needed and looking at the bigger picture when it comes to growth and strategy. He looks beyond just the audit, with a view to assessing the triple bottom line for his clients. He is passionate about creating sustainable solutions for his clients that will lead to return on investment for shareholders and members.
Wali has helped a number of his clients ensure that they operate with the right level of governance and transparency as his strives to look for areas of improvement in financial reporting controls, processes and corporate governance practices.
Ben Fahimnia is a Professor of Decision Sciences at the University of Sydney. Ben is a globally distinguished researcher and a renowned supply chain consultant with a diverse background in business/management, applied mathematics, engineering, and psychology.
Ben leads multidisciplinary teams working on a range of projects related to digital transformation, risk management, human intuition in supply chain decision-making, pairing intuition with data analytics, and sustainable operations. He has helped practitioners and policymakers develop decision-making skills and tools to create and manage efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chains.
To date, Ben has successfully managed over 140 projects in different sectors, for which he has received numerous awards from professional associations, research organisations and government agencies.
Cathy-Anne Jones
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
0414 535 323
Following a 20-year career in recruitment with 8 years deeply immersed in supply chain and logistics, Cathy-Anne now heads up business development for a freight and logistics management consulting firm. She has been involved with the ASCLA since 2019 having served as the NSW/ACT President (3 years), NSW/ACT State Director (3 years) and is now an ASCLA Independent Director.
Cathy-Anne’s qualifications include Foundations of Intelligent Supply Chain Management – Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (2023), SC Leaders Academy (2019), and Bachelor of Arts (Industrial Relations and Philosophy – University of Sydney)
Cathy-Anne is well placed to continue to serve the Association. She has a particular interest in consulting for efficiencies and finding solutions to challenges as the industry changes and evolves. She is an active networker and connector of people and ideas.
Rakesh Bandipelli is a visionary leader with 18+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Technology & Hospitality; passionate about driving innovation and sustainability. He specializes in optimizing processes, leveraging emerging technology, and advancing Circular Economy principles to create smarter, greener value chains. Curiosity fuels his pursuit of transformative IT solutions that align business goals with environmental stewardship while building high-performing teams and strong partnerships. For Rakesh, sustainability isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a strategy for healthy profits and a healthier planet. Connect with Rakesh to explore how to innovate together for a sustainable future.
BECOME A
MEMBER TODAY
ASCLA Members & Partners receive discounts and free member only events. Not yet a member? Explore our Membership Options and join today.
