Media release

Chairman Leona Murphy announces retirement from Stone & Chalk Group

SYDNEY, 26 NOVEMBER 2021 — Stone & Chalk Group today announced that current Chair Leona Murphy will be retiring from the Board following the end of her second term, post today’s AGM, and will be succeeded by seasoned technology executive and entrepreneur, Richard Kimber.

Ms Murphy was one of Stone & Chalk’s original board members, having been appointed in 2015 when the board was first formed. She stepped into the role of Chairman in 2018, replacing Craig Dunn.

Ms Murphy played an integral role in shaping and supporting the growth of Stone & Chalk over her tenure of six years on the Board. During this time, she helped guide the evolution of Stone & Chalk from a startup community of 120 residents in a single hub in 2015, to the national innovation network it is today.

Stone & Chalk Group’s footprint currently spans 11 locations across Australia and supports 850 residents from more than 560 startups and scale-ups. Its network of residents and alumni has raised in excess of $520 million in capital and has created more than 2,500 jobs over the last six years.

Commenting on her time as Chair of the board, Ms Murphy said, “I’ve seen a nascent startup community transform into a thriving innovation ecosystem over the past six years, and Stone & Chalk played a pivotal role in this. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of this journey, and to witness how corporations, government and startups have come together to make Stone & Chalk Group the success it is today.”

Having advised the board of her intentions earlier this year, the board conducted an orderly succession process and Leona will be succeeded by Richard Kimber as Chair of the board. Mr Kimber brings a wealth of global digital, innovation and financial services experience to the role, combined with a deep understanding of Stone & Chalk, having served on its board since 2018. His international executive experience spans senior leadership roles at OFX, ANZ, Friendster, Google, First Direct Bank and HSBC. Mr Kimber is currently the CEO and founder of Daisee, an Australian AI software company that builds cutting-edge applications for contact centres.

“Richard brings a unique skill set to the role, combining a valuable corporate background with the hands-on experience of building successful startups,” said Ms Murphy. “Having worked with him for the last three years, I’m confident Richard has the right experience, attitude and values to continue to shape the organisation. Together with Michael Bromley — S&C’s newly appointed CEO — they will bring strategic leadership to drive the next phase of growth for Stone & Chalk Group.”

Mr Kimber said, “Stone & Chalk occupies a unique position in the Australian innovation landscape. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to carry on the great work Ms Murphy has done to date and look forward to working closely with our residents and partners to accelerate Australia’s technology ecosystem.”

About Stone & Chalk Group

Stone & Chalk Group is Australia’s home for emerging technology. Our unrivalled national community provides vital access to the experience, knowledge, capital, capabilities, infrastructure and guidance that startups and scaleups require to be successful.

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Media contact

Eva Yao, M: 0449 899 618, E: eva@slingstone.com

Olivia Grandjean-Thomsen, M: 0402 136 788; E: olivia@austcyber.com

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