MATT JOHNSON - Chief Executive Officer

Matt Johnson is a chartered accountant with over 15 years experience in shaping company strategy, finding new lines of business and improving operational efficiency across a range of sectors, including media and event based organisations. He joined CommStrat from DMG World Media Australasia, the conferencing arm of the Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) in early 2010.

At DMG Matt was initially responsible for managing the successful divestment of a number of DMG Australian and New Zealand B2B and consumer shows, during the GFC. Prior to DMG, Matt worked in corporate strategy division at Fairfax, playing a key role during a period of uncertainty in relation to media laws. Including working on the Rural Press merger, leading a major Business Improvement program and various other projects. His career has also included high profile financial roles at George Patt’s, Westfield, Channel Nine, British Telecom (BT) and leading accountancy group PKF.

A qualified Chartered Accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Matt also has holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong.

BLAKE DUGGIN - Head of Digital / Industry Jobs

Blake Duggin is Head of Digital / Industry Jobs and has a track record of success in leadership roles in strategic partnership development, sales management and business development. His background spans digital, online and print media in dynamic markets undergoing major structural change.

Blake has spent over seventeen years in the media industry for such companies as Pacific Access, Optus and Val Morgan. He works with the employees to create environments and conditions that will allow individuals to align their strengths to the organization's vision so a more personalized, authentic and customized solutions approach to customer service is created.

In 2002, Blake joined CommStrat as Advertising Manager for LG News. Blake in 2003 set up the first online jobs boards for CommStrat and over the last nine years has positioned many of these to become Leading Job Boards within the Government, Environmental, & Engineering sectors.

Blake now manages the development and growth of Commstrat’s online strategy.

SCOTT MATTHEWS - Head of Conferences

Scott Matthews joined Hallmark Conference+Events, which is now a subsidiary of CommStrat, as Manager, Business Development in July 2004, before being promoted to Head of Conferences Melbourne in July 2010.

Prior to Hallmark Scott was with the Cement and Concrete Association for 16 years with the last five being as the Manager, Strategic Development. He joined the CCAA as a Regional Engineer before promoted to Regional Manager in 1994 and then gaining successive managerial promotions and changes in roles. The six years prior to this Scott worked as a Professional Engineer with VicRoads in a variety of roles.

Scott served as Secretary of the Concrete Institute of Australia, Vic Branch for 12 years and has served on numerous Technical Committees including the Australian Pavements Reference Group and for Standards Australia.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Monash University.

PHIL STODDART - Head of Business Development

Phil Stoddart has over 12 years experience within the media, events and conference market both in the UK and Australia working in management positions for such organisations as the Institute of Directors (IoD) and dmg world media.

Phil was previously the General Manager (NSW) for renowned event and exhibition contractor Harry the Hirer in Sydney.

TRACEY ETHERIDGE - Chief Financial Officer

Previous positions include Finance Manager of dmg world media for 3 years. Tracey also has broad experience in industries including professional services, fmcg and health services.

Tracey holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), University of Western Sydney and is a member of CPA Australia.