Darryl Barber

Experience

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  Alexander Proudfoot

  Jan 1987 - Jan 1992

  Chief Analyst

  My role was to intensively analyse businesses, identifying weaknesses & potential savings, and structuring programs for executive and board sign-off to implement those savings. We typically had 2 weeks to analyse significant businesses, structure the fix and engineer approval, before moving to the next analysis ... many sleepless nights, working to the clock!!

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  TNT

  Jan 1992 - Jan 1998

  General Manager, TNT Contrans

  I was the youngest ever General Manager appointed at TNT at that time. Within 15 months, we grew TNT Contrans to over $40m revenue, with a commensurate 39% EBIT improvement, by repositioning the business from an automotive industry specialist to a unique general transport business. In 1994, TNT Contrans recorded the highest return on revenue and assets employed of any TNT freight business. The business was also awarded Toys R Us Vendor of the Year, and VRTA finalist for Haulier of the Year, introducing dedicated B-Doubles to complement our rail linehaul service.While leading the business, I completed an Executive MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management. Show less

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  Sunbury Nursery Furniture

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2006

  Managing Director

  Sunbury Nursery Furniture was our family owned business, and one of the proudest points of my career. We manufactured & distributed a range of products to the nursery industry, employing 40 people at our peak, including 4 people with disabilities. Sunbury gave me the full opportunity to develop a business and a premium brand, and develop a modern, new premises, all financed under our own steam. We sold the business in 2007.My key achievements during this period were:• Tripling the business revenue in a 4 year period.• Developing the ‘Australian Born by Sunbury’ brand as a leading brand in the nursery market• Negotiation, funding, acquisition, and integration of a key competitor in 2004.• Development of a new factory and relocation of the business in 2006.• Employment and integration of people with disabilities into the workforce.• Sat as the business representative on the Queensland Government’s Consumer Safety Committee for 3 years, championing the ‘Safety Sells’ campaign. Show less

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  Katoel Pty Ltd

  May 2001 - Jun 2024

  Director

  Through my business, I provide services including turnaround consulting, interim executive, business improvement consulting, leadership mentoring & strategic advice and execution to enterprises within my network. I am also open to opportunities, particularly in Non-Executive Director roles, and in providing guidance and support to start-up ventures.

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  Katoel Consulting

  Jan 2007 - Aug 2011

  Director

  Katoel provides consulting services in business performance improvement & turnarounds, strategy development & implementation, facilitation, and interim management.On one such assignment, the Golden Circle Back 2 Basics project, our team contributed in the order of $12 million annualised savings across the operation through increased throughput, productivity, and improved management control, including a review of BOM’s & standards, $3 million in warehouse labour savings, implementation of the 2ic pallet management system (12% reduction in pallet costs and 90% reduction in losses), and freight cost reductions in a period of 6 months. Golden Circle reported a $25 million turnaround in FY08. Post turnaround, Golden Circle was voted Large Turnaround of the Year by the Turnaround Management Association, and venture capital Deal of the Year, and was sold to Heinz at a substantial premium to NSX value. Show less

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  Ludowici

  Aug 2011 - Feb 2012

  Executive General Manager, Australia & Asia Pacific

  Prior to the acquisition of Ludowici by FL Smidth, I led our diverse businesses across Australia, China and India. We had 5 manufacturing facilities and 7 branches in Australia servicing the mining industry, a sales branch in Beijing, and manufacturing facilities in Qingdao & Yantai, and a sales branch and manufacturing facility in Chennai, encompassing a total workforce exceeding 700 people.During this time, I also acted as Executive Director for the Chinese and Indian local entities of Ludowici.During this time, we commenced a complete re-engineering of production and supply chain management processes through our 'Demand Flow' initiative, resulting in a >25% improvement in DIFOT & a lower cost to serve. Show less

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  FLSmidth Ludowici

  Feb 2012 - Jul 2013

  Executive General Manager, Australia & Global Supply Chain

  Following the acquisition of ASX listed Ludowici by the Danish mining & cement conglomerate FL Smidth, my role was to integrate the Ludowici manufacturing operations within the FL Smidth global manufacturing and procurement network, increase sourcing from least cost countries, and, utilising an Integrated Business Planning methodology, implemented a business improvement project (named 'Demand Flow') which resulted in substantial cost & working capital improvements across the Australian supply chain.Key achievements during the period of my leadership were a 15% reduction in inventory and SLOBS within 12 months, a reduction in staff turnover from approximately 30% to 12%, an improvement in national DIFOT from 67% to 85% within 18 months, and increased ‘offshoring’ (least cost country) procurement from 12% to >20% of total purchases.During this time FL Smidth acquired Ludowici at a 350% premium to the ASX share price. Show less

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  Katoel Consulting

  Jul 2013 - Jun 2016

  Director

  Katoel provides consulting services in business performance improvement & turnarounds, strategy development & implementation, facilitation, mentoring, and interim management. I worked on a number of significant business transformations, including Acrow Formwork & Scaffolding and Grove Fruit Juice (as Interim CEO) during the construction of new manufacturing facilities at Warwick.

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  Ludowici Group Limited

  Jan 2014 - Aug 2014

  Interim Chief Executive Officer

  I stepped into this role at a particularly turbulent time, with a clear focus to transform the business, improve customer focus, return to profitability, and exit non-core segments of the business.Ludowici services the Seals and Industrial Products markets. I was asked to lead the business at a time of crisis, and initiated an immediate enhancement of operating systems, finance, working capital and safety, while reducing the cost base and improving cashflow. We substantially improved the operating platform (including implementing a safety framework) and financial outcomes (for example, a 15% reduction in inventory) within the interim period of my leadership. Show less

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  Pool Systems Pty Ltd, a division of Poolcorp

  Jul 2016 - Jul 2019

  Country Head / Director

  I revitalized Pool Systems through its most dynamic growth period, from a peripheral (and then unprofitable) distributor to become the leading, full service, distributor to the pool industry, over a three year period. During this period, I drove significant organic growth whilst integrating two acquisitions.During this time I also acted as Executive Director & Non-Executive Director for various associated and acquired entities.Pool Systems is Australia’s leading distributor of swimming pool and spa products. Established in 1983, Pool Systems supply pool equipment, chemicals, spare parts and leisure products to a broad range of trade customers in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Europe and Oceania. Pool Systems is a division of NASDAQ listed Poolcorp, a $10bn global corporation.Pool Systems Head Office and main distribution centre is located in Brisbane, with branches servicing retail and trade customers located in Sydney, Melbourne, on the Gold Coast, Adelaide and in Phoenix Arizona. Our international customer logistics team facilitates export shipments to all corners of the globe. In July 2017, Pool Systems acquired Newline Pool Products, also based in Brisbane. In February 2018, we acquired Pool Power, based in Adelaide. Pool Systems is 100% owned by Poolcorp, a US based distributor of pool and outdoor products.Pool Systems represents and sells many of the industry’s premier brands, providing co-ordinated marketing support and a broad market offer. In addition, our own brands – Aussie Gold, Swimsafe, Life and Swimsportz are leaders in their category. Show less

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  Endeavour Foundation

  Sept 2019 - May 2020

  General Manager, Business Solutions (Work)

  The Work portfolio at Endeavour is one of the most diverse, wonderful, challenging and complex roles I've had, in terms of complexity of supply chains, management of supply and demand, and drawing the best from a truly amazing workforce. In the month prior to Covid, we achieved the first $1m monthly operating profit for the portfolio, a testament to a fantastic effort from a high calibre team.I led a portfolio with 38 Business Solutions sites employing 2500 people across the eastern seaboard of Australia, engaged in activities including food and consumables packaging, recycling, outsourcing, manufacturing, farming and retail. We inspired change and business improvement utilising Lean methodologies across this diverse array of commercial enterprises.Endeavour Foundation is an independent, for purpose organisation, established in 1951 with a vision to support people with an intellectual disability to live their best life - starting with access to education and life-skills learning. Today we focus on ability - on dreams, goals and potential. We collaborate with our customers to imagine the possibilities and then work together to make them happen. Show less

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  KordaMentha

  May 2023 - now

  Director
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  Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation

  Feb 2025 - now

  Mentor