Read about each of our Directors below.
Chair
Kaz Naito, now retired, was most recently Managing Director and Head of Sales and Marketing for J.P. Morgan Australia and New Zealand. He served on the board of J.P. Morgan Securities Australia and previously led Prime Finance Sales and Trading for Asia Pacific. Before joining J.P. Morgan, Kaz spent 15 years at Goldman Sachs across Asia, working in equity derivatives. He holds an LLB from Keio University. Kaz lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with his wife, Catherine, and their four children.
Since joining the BlackWall Group in early 2011, Jessie has built over 15 years of experience in the property industry, specialising in development and operations. She holds a Bachelor of International Communication from Macquarie University and a Class One NSW Real Estate Licence.
Jessie joined the Board of The Kids’ Cancer Project in 2022, contributing her operational expertise and strategic insight to help support the charity’s mission. In addition, since 2024, Jessie has served on the Board of Flexible Workspace Australia, the peak body representing coworking and flexible workspace providers and partners across Australia.
OAM, Founder
Col received an Order of Australia in 2000 for his work supporting children with cancer. Before founding the charity, he spent 30 years as a tourist coach driver, working with high-profile clients, including US Secret Service agents and members of Pope John Paul II’s Papal visit. Col dedicated his life to improving outcomes for children with cancer, raising awareness and funding vital research. His vision and determination have made a lasting impact in the childhood cancer space.
LLB (Hons), BEc
Cathryn is a partner at Colin Biggers & Paisley, specialising in insurance and employment law. Recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia (2018-2020), she represents professionals and businesses in negligence and workplace-related claims. She has extensive experience in unfair dismissal, discrimination, underpayment, OH&S and general protections matters. Cathryn is passionate about supporting businesses with legal strategies that drive positive workplace outcomes and long-term success.
BCom (Marketing and Management), Masters (Military and Defence Studies)
Simmone is a founding board member of The Kids’ Cancer Project and an officer in the Australian Army. Passionate about people, she is pursuing further postgraduate study in human resource management. Earlier in her career, she worked in marketing, account management and category development for Unilever and Nestlé. Simmone brings a strategic approach to leadership and governance, helping drive initiatives that support children’s cancer research and advocacy.
FCPA, BCom, Grad Cert (Mgmt), MBA
Nigel is Managing Director Oceania at Gate Gourmet, one of the world’s largest inflight catering companies. He has 20 years’ experience in operations, finance and strategy, working across Asia and Europe in aviation, automotive and quick service restaurants. Before joining Gate Gourmet, he was CFO of a leading Australian quick service restaurant business. Nigel has a strong background in business improvement, with a focus on operational excellence and strategic growth.