Simavita announces new chairman

Medical device provider, Simavita, has appointed Michael Brown FAICD as a director of the company and chairman of the board.

Brown is the founder and executive chairman of Integrated Equity, a Melbourne-based investor and corporate advisory firm. He has had a long career in funds management and has operated at the chief investment officer and managing director levels in both the listed and private equity markets. He also has extensive international investment experience.

Previously, Brown has provided corporate advisory services to Simavita during which time he assisted in the stewardship of the reverse takeover and ultimate listing of the company on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the Australian Securities Exchange.

IBM Australia and New Zealand has announced Kerry Purcell as its new managing director.

He replaces Andrew Stevens MAICD who retired from the post in August 2014 and Jeffrey Rhoda, who had been temporarily acting as managing director.

Purcell was previously the managing partner of IBM Global Business Services in Japan, where he was responsible for IBM’s consulting, systems integration and applications business for more than three years.

He takes over the reins at a time of significant management transition at IBM Australia. Stevens’ departure has been accompanied by a number of other exits, with chief financial officer Sara Watts GAICD, global business services head Sarah Adam-Gedge GAICD, research guru Glenn Wightwick and human resources director Robert Orth also leaving the company.