SIMON BEDARD

FOUNDER & CEO

Simon has over 20 years’ experience in the finance, investment, energy and technology sectors. His experience includes working for one of Australia’s largest banks, as an investment advisor to high net worth clients and private companies, in their Institutional Banking and Global Markets division. As an entrepreneur, Simon has started, bought and exited companies.

Simon has earned an MBA (with distinction) through RMIT and a Diploma of Financial Markets through the Securities Institute of Australia. He is a licensed Business Broker, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He also currently sits on the Board of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia, and is involved in a number of technology start-ups.

Simon’s passion is helping business owners build value in their companies. He understands that every entrepreneur dreams of reaping big rewards when they exit their business, but too often they fail to achieve their potential because they are not aware of the key drivers of value, or haven’t implemented them before it’s time to exit.

SHANTI BEDARD

CO-FOUNDER & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Shanti has over 20 years’ experience in marketing and operations within the financial services sector, and management consulting in the private and government sphere. Over her career Shanti has enjoyed working with clients and businesses in over 19 countries, from multinationals with large global footprints, to government organisations and SME's.

Shanti’s experience, coupled with her understanding of being a business owner, has shaped the way she approaches business. Her passion lies with helping businesses improve and grow in a way that maximises company value. Knowing the challenges that business owners face, her mission is to help them create freedom and options, so they can take their business to new levels and enjoy a lifestyle they deserve. And, when they are ready, achieve the business exit they want, on their terms.

In Australia, almost 80% of business owners plan to transition over the next 10 years and 66% do not have a formal exit strategy or succession plan. Shanti's goal is to reach as many business owners as possible and provide the right tools, systems and actionable insights to ensure that they can extract the wealth they have created in their companies and achieve the freedom they deserve.

MARK LEVITT

PRINCIPAL ADVISOR

Mark is a Chartered Accountant with over thirty years of financial and commercial experience. He has worked across a diverse range of industries and organisations, from the Big Four accounting firms to the Big Four banks. Mark has also had experience across funds management, financial services, manufacturing, distribution and hospitality.

Having worked initially with large corporates, in the last fifteen years Mark has spent significant time providing consulting and business improvement services to SME categorised businesses. These services have incorporated business turnarounds, restructuring, capital and debt raisings, business planning and forecasting.

As a previous business owner and having worked alongside many over the years, Mark has a deep understanding of the motivations and drivers for owners wanting an effective exit from one of their primary assets.

MARK NAPPER

PRINCIPAL ADVISOR

Mark Napper brings a wealth of experience when it comes to helping businesses. He has over 30+ years in senior executive roles, as well as many years running his own business advisory practice.

Mark established early in his career that he was skilled at business turnarounds. He was head hunted by Ernst & Young which saw him lead numerous business transformations. Mark’s strategic thinking and ability to leverage technology, process improvement, and improve company culture has earned him a reputation of being a ‘builder and fixer’ of organisations.

Mark holds an MBA, and accounting degree, and sits on several Boards. His experience spans food, agriculture, bio tech, health, energy and many other industries.

BRENT MCDONALD

BUSINESS BROKER & ADVISOR

Brent has over 30 years’ experience both as an entrepreneur that has built and exited his own company, and in senior management roles across a number of Australia’s largest business sectors, including Petroleum, Financial Services and Business Services.

Leadership roles in organisations with a national and global footprint, including Mortgage Choice and Caltex have led to Brent’s specialised franchise expertise. Brent played a key role in taking Mortgage Choice from a small franchise operation to a leading Australian financial institution listed on the stock exchange. He has held positions as NSW Chapter President of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) and was also a valued member of the FCA National Board and awarded a Certificate of Appreciation Award for his contribution to the FCA.

As a business broker Brent has facilitated many business sales. He has experience in all areas of SME business, including business sales and acquisitions, operations, marketing, sales, systems and compliance, field operations, business owner recruitment and selection, and financial management.

CHESKA MIKAELA KABILING

SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER

Cheska is a marketing and operations professional, and has 9 years of experience working across a number of industries, including real estate, broadcast media, and outsourcing prior to joining Exit Advisory Group. She has a comprehensive understanding of marketing strategies, channels and tools, as well as business systems and processes.

Cheska’s career started with large corporates where she grew her leadership, marketing, operations and project management skills. She has then held senior management roles across a number of Australian companies where she managed and coached a big team, and helped them achieve results and optimal efficiency in their tasks.

Cheska has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication (with great distinction – Magna Cum Laude Latin Honour) through a prominent university in the Philippines. She has also been a member of a national youth leadership organisation since 2012. Her passion is making a difference in people’s lives by adding value to business owners and her team members.

ANITA AXE

COMMUNITY ENGAGAMENT MANAGER

With 10+ years’ experience in management, marketing communications and administration, Anita is well suited to her role as Community Engagement Manager. Anita shares the passion and values of Exit Advisory Group as we work with clients to achieve successful outcomes in business sales, maximising company value and exit planning.

A key priority for Anita is managing our communications across various platforms ensuring our key messages are shared directly to our community with care and commitment. Having previously worked for a company that went through a business exit, Anita is in a unique position to understand the demands and challenges business owners face.

CARLY LUDBROOK

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Carly has 19 years experience leveraging her communications skillset to deliver successful projects and initiatives. Her career has spanned work in the higher education and fin-tech industries where she has successfully delivered projects facilitating process improvement, change management and has been involved in numerous strategic initiatives. She enjoys being an early adopter of technology, looking for opportunities to gain efficiencies through technology and sharing them with team members. At Exit Advisory Group, Carly leads communication strategies across the lifecycle of client business acquisitions, growth and exits.

Carly’s desire to assist business owners and entrepreneurs is seeded in her childhood experiences of watching her father run his own business and learned firsthand the time, effort and passion that goes into running a successful business. She brings this appreciation for entrepreneurs combined with an energetic and inquisitive approach to communication to the Exit Advisory Group.

CHARLAYNE AQUINO

MARKETING ASSISTANT

Charlayne brings 3 years of digital marketing and administration experience to the team. Before joining Exit Advisory Group, she has worked in the outsourcing industry where she was able to hone her skills in content research, social media and email marketing.

Charlayne assists the team in the execution of the marketing strategy and supports the company with lead generation activities.

CHRISTIAN ABARQUEZ

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Christian is our proactive and detail-oriented operations assistant. He has extensive experience in bookkeeping and documentation, and has brought those skills to Exit Advisory Group. Christian assists the company with the execution of our marketing strategy focusing on lead generation activities, data mining, and CRM management.

Christian also works closely with the executive team and ensures administration activities are handled with skill and efficiency.