NARTA - Key Persons
Aileen joined NARTA in 2011 with an extensive background in Finance, coming from a role as a Project Manager for Fujitsu China. As a young girl, Aileen dreamt of being a surgeon, and even though she took a different career path, she's still incredibly focussed, spending her weekends studying and continuing to grow her knowledge in IT and Finance.
Starting with NARTA as an Assistant Accountant, Aileen now works in the Accounting Department as a Financial Controller.
Alistair, the quintessential Englishman, started his CE career in the UK before relocating to Australia. Working for global brands such as Nikon and Panasonic, Alistair learnt early the importance of being a trusted and reliable brand. Since 2014, Alistair has been an indispensable part of the Narta team. As Narta's Head of Merchandise, Alistair thrives in the close working partnerships with Narta members and suppliers, these relationships have seen him drive and achieve success across multiple category teams. Outside his professional life, he moonlights as an underappreciated taxi driver for his teenagers. Alistair: CE guru by day, unpaid chauffeur by night.
A fan of Italian food and British comedy panel shows, Darren joined NARTA in 1999 after working as an assistant buyer in Liquor and Tobacco Categories. He took a brief hiatus in 2001 to spend two years working in London before returning to NARTA in 2003. Since then, he's worked for NARTA as a Business Analyst, Cooking & Seasonal Category Manager, Marketing & Operations Manager, General Manager and in his current role since 2019 as Chief Operating Officer.
On the weekends, you'll find Darren hanging out with his wife and their dog. In fact, Darren's dream holiday destination is anywhere he can take his dog with him.
David Hurdle - Chief Procurement Officer
A United States expat, David moved from the desert of Arizona in 2018 to Sydney to broaden his global business acumen. He brings a diverse background in business development, military logistics, direct and indirect procurement. Joining Narta in 2019 as a Category Manager, David is focused on leading and developing his Procurement team while expanding NARTA's supplier and member networks. A sports and outdoors enthusiast, David spends his weekends going on adventures with his daughter Bonnie and partner Lucy and is an avid marathon runner.
Job Titles:
- General Manager - Business Development
Derek joined in 2023 and has a diverse background that has spanned almost 30+ years leading in Engineering/Manufacturing, IT, Sales, Operations and General Management roles. Passionate about improving how people and processes work through technology.
When he's not working on new things, you can find Derek playing soccer, riding a bike on an adventure with his wife or in a hardware store looking for tools to complete his latest D.I.Y project.
London-born, James started his career in retail before the Age of the Internet. Prior to working at NARTA, he had worked for Woolworths, GfK, Canon and LG Electronics. He works closely with retail members, external agencies and cutting-edge Data Science & AI teams based in Europe.
Having been at NARTA since 2011, James is the Head of Data Innovation, diligently working to evolve and build the data strategy that continues to drive NARTA as an innovative force in the Retail industry. On weekends, he loves to spend time with Family, get away to the Myall Lakes or noodle around in his keyboard-laden home studio.
Job Titles:
- New Zealand Country Manager
Jonathan joined NARTA in 2016 after 20 years in the consumer electronics and building industries, specialising in retail and vendor sides. Outside of work, he loves anything Vietnamese and dreams of going to southern France.
On weekends, you can find Jonathan building things around the home or playing golf badly. Fun fact: Jonathan only has one kidney! He donated the other one to his nephew who had renal failure.
A self-confessed cheese-enthusiast, Lucie holds a degree in Fashion Marketing & Communication and has diverse experience in buying, merchandising & marketing. Lucie's extensive knowledge of the full retail landscape comes from her time as a Fashion Buyer in the UK for Sainsburys, Debenhams & Selfridges then at Gucci in Dubai overseeing the MEIA region.
With a passion to expand her skill set, Lucie relocated to Australia to focus on Marketing and has been with NARTA since 2015. A believer in positive thoughts equal positive outcomes, Lucie loves a day at the beach or exploring somewhere or something new.
Traditionally known for his love of basketball and art, Michael gained both retail and wholesale experience before joining NARTA as the AV Category Manager in April 2003. Since then, he progressed to multiple categories before becoming Group Category Manager, followed by General Manager, then Chief Operating Officer, and then was appointed CEO in July 2015.
Many would be surprised to know that at 18 years old, Michael was offered scholarships for his artistic talents, with 2 pieces of his work on display at the National Art Gallery and Japan's National Gallery in Tokyo.
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- in 2022 As General Manager
Tony joined NARTA in 2022 as General Manager after having worked with NARTA's agency partner Media Merchants for 12 years as their Operations Director. Tony brings a solid understanding of the NARTA business along with knowledge off and relationships with the suppliers and members. He is bringing his passion for people and culture to the business along with processes driven outcomes and when he's not managing business at NARTA, you can find Tony on his boat fishing, on an adventure with his wife and dog Sydney or getting amongst the snow in the Japan.