As a chartered professional engineer since 1972, Des has had extensive experience in telecommunications and information technology both in Australia and France. His roles in network planning, research and development and systems consultancy underpin an appreciation of computer-based network technologies and the use of evolving Internet-based business practices for competitive advantage.

This technical background is complemented by his experience in the area of organisational quality programs and continuous improvement, customer and market focused business processes, business planning and facilitation.

In his role as a national business management executive with Telstra he was responsible for building strategic relationships with and responding to the total telecommunications needs of many of Australia’s top 200 companies in sectors as diverse as health, education, manufacturing, mining, information technology and State and Federal governments.

In a subsequent role as a consultant registered with AusIndustry, he gained a thorough appreciation of the issues confronting small to medium enterprises through his work in business diagnostics, strategic business planning and venture capital raising. Similarly, Des’ honorary role as an Evaluator for the Australian Quality Awards for Business Excellence provided unique insights into the philosophies, cultures and practices of successful businesses.

Since 1999 Des has applied his expertise to the role of business broker where he finds considerable satisfaction in supporting clients at both the personal and business levels.

Outside his primary business interest Des is a Director of the Southern Cross Youth Initiative, a national drug rehabilitation program that supports youth in a live-in educational environment for 12 months while overcoming addictions.