‘Powerful’ and creative edge to new Business SA line-up
Nick Cave and powering the state seem unlikely bedfellows, however, they are among the connections of two men who have been appointed the new directors of Business SA.
Marketing expert David O’Loughlin and energy boss Robert Stobbe have been named as part of the new line-up just over a week after it lost four managers to make way for an organisational restructure.
Stobbe, SA Power Networks’ chief executive, and KWP! partner and strategy director O’Loughlin, who worked on the haunting Barossa – Be Consumed campaign featuring the Cave song, were signed off at the annual general meeting yesterday.
“Having worked for major advertising agencies and for the SA Tourism Commission, I’m now looking forward to making a contribution through Business SA to the state’s SME sector which holds the most potential to redress South Australia’s unacceptably high unemployment rate,” O’Loughlin said
Stobbe is also a member of a number of not-for-profit organisations in the aged care, health and welfare sectors.
“I believe I can bring a useful utility industry and large employer perspective to the Business SA board,” he said.
Robert Stobbe
Chairman Vincent Tremaine said the pair would bring insight and strengths to more effectively represent the interests of its members.
Tremaine said Stobbe’s head role at one of the state’s largest employers would assist Business SA’s focus on creating more jobs.
“With SA Power Networks being a major employer in the state, including of apprentices and trainees, Mr Stobbe will also have much to contribute to board discussions on how Business SA can help create a labour market environment that is conducive to creating jobs,” Tremaine said.
“As someone steeped in the electricity, gas, water and public transport sectors for 30 years, Mr Stobbe will bring a unique perspective to issues that are major input costs to all businesses.”
David O’Loughlin
“David O’Loughlin’s distinguished career spanning two decades has taken him from Adelaide to London, Canada, the United States, Melbourne and Sydney.
“Mr O’Loughlin will bring an invaluable marketing perspective, both locally and internationally, to the Business SA board at a time when the state needs to boost its marketing efforts and export successes,” he said.
