2025/26 ARITA Board announcement

15/05/2025

At our recent AGM, we were delighted to welcome a new President and two new Board members.

 

ARITA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mike Hayes RITF as its new President following the Annual General Meeting in Sydney this week.

With a distinguished career and longstanding commitment to the profession, Mike steps into the role with a clear focus on continuing ARITA’s mission of leadership, advocacy and excellence in professional development.

Reflecting on the appointment, Mike emphasised the professional responsibility attached to the position.

“I acknowledge the responsibility of the role as President of Australia’s leading restructuring, insolvency and turnaround association and, of course, the opportunity to add value to ARITA”, he said. “I want to thank the Board for their support and recognise this as an opportunity to steer ARITA in directions that provide improved services to our members.”

A Partner at Piper Alderman, Mike brings extensive leadership and experience to the role, and a strong commitment to listening and responding to the needs of ARITA members.

“Communication and collaboration are some of my strengths,” he said. “I encourage members to continue to communicate with ARITA, either directly to staff or Board members, or through our various Division committees and representatives.”

As incoming Chair, Mike outlined his strategic focus for the position and the organisation.

“ARITA is respected for its engagement with members at both small and large firms, and its cooperation with stakeholders. However, ARITA will revisit its engagement with its members in smaller firms and so too its engagement with stakeholders, including ASIC and AFSA,” Mike said.

“We want to further our understanding of the good work our members are doing, respectfully engage with aligned associations to form a joint front on reform and practice issues, and share with the public positive restructuring stories where jobs have been saved and lives changed.

“Our Board has also welcomed a new Executive, who provide a strong foundation in governance, finance and strategy. This knowledge and experience provide us with a footing to reconnect with our members, especially those in small practice, who comprise much of our membership base.”

Mike’s appointment comes during a period of transition for ARITA, with several impending changes on the horizon.

“There undoubtedly will be positive adjustments as we bring a new CEO up to speed and transition new Board members onto the Board,” Mike said. “Achieving certification as a Registered Training Organisation also remains a priority, as does improving our financial position.

“However, I have no doubt we have the leadership and experience, both on staff and on the Board, to address these changes and navigate any challenges as they arise. We are in the final stages of appointing a new CEO, and I’m excited for our staff as the calibre of candidates has been exceptional. An announcement on the position is imminent.

“I would also like to acknowledge the leadership Rachel Burdett provided as the former President. Rachel made significant advancements in diversity, equity and inclusion at ARITA, and provided a steady hand when our CEO departed. I have no doubt she will continue to be a source of knowledge and guidance as a non-executive Board member.

“It is also important to acknowledge the service of Michael Brereton RITF and Jason Porter RITF as they depart as Board members, and we are extremely grateful for their wonderful services to ARITA which, no doubt, will continue at committee level.”

Robyn Erskine RITF remains as INSOL representative (non-voting) while Rachel Burdett RITF is the immediate past president (non-voting). Phil Quinlan RITF, Partner at KPMG joins the Board as NSW/ACT Division Appointee, while Chris Pearce RITP, Managing Partner of Blackwall Legal, was appointed under s20.3 of the Constitution.

Phil brings extensive knowledge and experience to the position, having assisted mid-sized corporates navigate financial and operational distress, along with a background in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional appointments.

A long-term member of the Law Council of Australia, Chris brings extensive insolvency law and litigation experience to the role. He is an active member of the insolvency community in WA, frequently contributing to ARITA Forums and is a current member of the WA Division.

According to the ARITA Constitution, Mike will occupy the position of President for a two-year term, after which time the deputy president is elevated to the role pending Board approval.

ARITA welcomes Mike Hayes to his new role and looks forward to his leadership as the organisation continues to serve the restructuring, insolvency, and turnaround community with excellence and integrity.

2025/26 ARITA Board
Executive:

  • Mike Hayes RITF, Piper Alderman – President
  • Kathy Sozou RITF, McGrathNicol – Deputy President
  • Danielle Funston RITF, Maddocks – Vice President
  • Bruce Gleeson RITF, Jones Partners – Vice President

Directors:

  • Matthew Donnelly RITF, Deloitte – WA Representative
  • Michael Fingland RITF, Vantage Performance
  • Phil Quinlan RITF, KPMG – NSW/ACT Representative
  • Neil McLean RITP, Rodgers Reidy
  • Chris Pearce RITP, Blackwall Legal
  • Natasha Riach RITF, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers – SA/NT Representative
  • Kelly Trenfield RITF, FTI Consulting – Qld Representative
  • Melissa Jeremiah RITP, Maddocks – Vic/Tas Representative
  • Rachel Burdett RITF, Cor Cordis – Immediate Past President (non-voting)
  • Robyn Erskine RITF, Brooke Bird – INSOL Representative (non-voting)