Our Team
Emilio De Stefano
MEng (MilitarySysInteg) BEng (Hons) BMgmt MIEAust CPEng
Director & Principal
An experienced executive and Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Emilio has over a decade of industry experience across a variety of industry sectors including defence, oil & gas, water and infrastructure. Having practiced in organisations ranging from start-ups to large, multi-national corporates, in both technical and executive leadership roles, Emilio has an innate knowledge and understanding of people, culture, leadership, business and what it takes to succeed in any environment.
Emilio has Bachelor level qualifications in engineering and management and has undertaken numerous postgraduate programs including a Master of Engineering in Military Systems Integration, the South Australian Defence Industry Leadership Program and an Executive Program at the prestigious Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Prior to establishing De Stefano & Co in 2015, Emilio spent four years in the role of General Manager at a leading South Australian manufacturer, which saw the company experience record year-on-year growth, become a key player nationally and win two prominent awards in 2014 and 2015, including the national Manufacturers’ Monthly Endeavour Award in the category of Business Transformation.
Emilio is also a Past Chairman of the Institution of Engineering & Technology SA&NT Local Network, a past member of the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) Aerospace, Defence & Aviation (ADA) Sub-Committee, a member of the Industry Leaders Fund (ILF) and a 2021 InDaily 40 Under 40 award recipient.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Strategic planning
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Tender response development and review
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Grant applications
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Structuring companies for growth
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Business collaboration and teaming
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Business advisory
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Business / process improvement
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Business case development
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Board / advisory board positions
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Business development
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Project management
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Systems engineering
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Engineering management
Brian McAvoy
BEng PMP CPIM MAISA
Head of Protective Security Services and Senior Associate
Brian is a project management, engineering and supply chain management professional with broad experience in manufacturing, distribution and logistics companies, including global leaders such as GE, Mercury Marine, Bemis and Dunlop Slazenger.
As De Stefano & Co's Head of Protective Security Services, Brian lives and breathes all things related to the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), supporting our clients by managing the entire DISP process, beginning with the initial gap analysis, all the way through to the submission of final documents and finally, membership attainment and ongoing compliance. Brian is also a Member of the Australian Information Security Association (MAISA).
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Brian joined GE's prestigious Manufacturing Management Program (MMP). This time at GE provided exposure to heavy manufacturing such as locomotives and gas turbines as well as fast-moving consumer goods.
After GE, Brian earned the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CIPM) certification from the American Production & Inventory Control Society (APICS) as a first step toward expanding his career into operations and supply chain management. This led to his first management role with Dunlop Slazenger. As Brian's career progressed he took on roles with increasing responsibility across functions such as sales and operations planning, forecasting, demand planning, procurement, warehousing, distribution and logistics.
Project management has also been a theme throughout the last 20 years, including certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI). This has resulted in real-world technology delivery experience, including successful leadership of multiple IT systems implementations and business process overhauls.
Always open to opportunities to learn and grow professionally, Brian has recently graduated from the Defence Teaming Centre's Defence Industry Leadership Program and is actively enrolled in the Diploma of Digital Technologies program at Flinders University.
Outside of work, Brian is a volunteer mentor at the University of Adelaide's ThincLab where he works with start-up and scaling businesses.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership attainment support
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Protective security
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Essential Eight compliance
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Infrastructure and Construction Security Plans
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Project management
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Supply chain management
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Strategic planning
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Process improvement and operational excellence
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Business intelligence and analytics
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Grant applications
Ken Fong
MBA (Pending) BAcct BEng CertCybSec (Pending) MAICD
Senior Associate
Ken is an accounting and engineering professional with 13 years of international experience. He has worked in Defence Electronics at BAE Systems Australia and at BDO Chartered Accountants, where he was part of both the Audit and Advisory teams. Ken's audit experience is diverse, including industries such as Construction, Manufacturing, Retail, Hospitality, Agriculture and Local Government.
During his time in Advisory, Ken advised clients using Data Analytics for evidence-based decision making, operational decision-making and analysis for potential fraud. He has extensive experience in Financial Modelling (producing Forecast and Option Analyses) and Risk Management; identifying key enterprise-wide and operational risks as well as developing and implementing risk management strategies, frameworks, policies and processes.
Ken is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) through the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and his Certificate IV in Cyber Security at TAFE SA. He has a Bachelor of Accounting and a Bachelor of Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Cyber security
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Grant applications
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Management accounting
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Financial modelling, forecasting and analysis
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Business / financial process and policy development
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Business advisory
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Internal auditing
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Option analysis
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Business case development
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Risk management
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Evidence-based decision making
Les Shearn
BMgmt DipBus DipOH&S GAICD
Senior Associate
Les is an accomplished professional with over 25 years in strategic and operational roles within both large multi-nationals and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). His areas of specialisation include organisational design and development, change management, defence industry market-entry and business growth. Les has diverse sector experience including engineering, broadcasting, manufacturing, construction, production, heavy maintenance, warehousing and logistics.
Les has a business focused, practical and highly consultative approach which enables him to identify core issues, develop strategies and deliver solutions. Les is creative and outcome oriented with a passion for developing strategies and programs focused on employee engagement and business growth.
With an ability to combine commercial acumen with an understanding of the key drivers for organisational effectiveness, Les thrives on working alongside a business or individual to analyse a problem and develop a practical solution to transform a business or individual for the better. He has worked across a diverse range of industries within Australia and Internationally that has provided him with extensive business experience, expertise and understanding of solutions that impact positively on the bottom line of any business.
Les has a Bachelor of Management, a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S), a Diploma of Business and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Professional expertise and interests:
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Strategic planning
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Business development
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International engagement and market entry
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Business growth advisory
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Organisational design and development
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HR management
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Change management
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Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership and accreditation
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Interim management (e.g. BDM, Operations Manager, etc.)
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Board / advisory board positions
Mick O'Neill
BEng (Hons) MBA
Senior Associate
Mick is a strategy, business growth and economic development professional with over 30 years’ experience in Defence, ICT, State and Local Government.
Starting his career as an engineer and project manager for Defence companies including AWA Defence Industries, Mick then built on his strong commercial foundations to become a champion of innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration. Mick pioneered the ‘Industry Cluster Development’ model, which encouraged collaboration between related industries to generate higher economic growth across South Australia. The model helped to build a competitive advantage for the state in key industries, as well as the establishment of a number of industry bodies such as the Defence Teaming Centre, and the Water Industry Alliance.
Mick has held executive roles in growth and investment for the Department for Trade and Investment, Department of State Development, Adelaide City Council and as a strategic adviser for Flinders Partners. He has also provided strategy, innovation and commercialisation advice to both the private sector and Government.
Mick has a Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) and a Master of Business Administration. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Business growth advisory
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Strategic planning
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Grant applications
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Business collaboration and teaming
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Business case development
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Project management
David Kameniar
GradDipLegPrac LLB BBus (EcFinTrade) AssocDegLangCultStud MAISA
Associate
David is a business and security professional with a background in law, and Defence security advisory, as well as program and project management. Working across security engagements at De Stefano & Co, David has proficiency in advising senior executives from SMEs through to multi-nationals on uplifting Defence security within their organisations. Specialising across delivery of our DISP membership attainment and Physical Security uplift services, David is also a Member of the Australian Information Security Association (MAISA).
Prior to joining De Stefano & Co, David spent 5 years working in various roles within the Australian Centre for Business Growth at the University of South Australia, managing the Centre’s world class business growth programs focused on growing Australia’s SMEs. David most recently led the Centre’s Program Operations as well as sales and recruitment.
David has completed a double degree in Law and Business (Economics, Finance & Trade) as well as an Associate Diploma of Language and Cultural Studies, achieving written and speaking competency in French. David has also completed further legal training with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
Whilst completing his university studies, David worked as a law clerk with commercial law firm Christie & Associates Solicitors. This role involved supporting the firm’s partners across property law, wills and estates, insolvency, and debt recovery, as well as civil litigation and dispute resolution.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Program and project management
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Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership attainment support
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Essential Eight compliance
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Protective security
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Stakeholder engagement and management
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Grant applications
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Business improvement
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Business planning
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Event management
Kyle Whenan
BIntRelPolSc
Associate
Kyle works part-time as an Associate at De Stefano & Co whilst also working in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as an Air Surveillance Operator, a role he has held for over four years. In this role, Kyle uses advanced electronic and radar equipment. Through his work in Defence, Kyle has developed a strong understanding of the importance of good governance and high-level security practices, making him a valuable resource for our Defence security and protective security clients. Prior to joining the military, Kyle held roles in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors.
As well as being a strong believer in professional development, Kyle is also passionate about leadership and professional mentoring. Kyle has completed a Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science at Flinders University. This degree saw Kyle undertake a 6-week internship in the United States Senate, providing him with an opportunity to develop his understanding and passion of Defence, Government and policy, and how all they intersect.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership attainment support
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Program and project management
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Grant applications
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International relations and foreign affairs
Louisa Canning
BA (CommMediaMgmt)
Associate
Louisa is an Associate at De Stefano & Co, supporting the team and our clients with grant applications, Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) memberships and more.
With a background in marketing and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Management from the University of South Australia, Louisa also coordinates a range of marketing initiatives for the business, including website management, graphic design, social media administration, writing, editing and proofreading.
Louisa is experienced in preparing successful grant applications for SMEs, including the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) program and the Skilling Australia's Defence Industry (SADI) Grant. By utilising her high-level communication skills, Louisa ensures that each application is well-written, accurate and best represents the applicant in order to achieve a positive outcome.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Strategic marketing and communications
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Grant applications
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Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership attainment support
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Business development
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Project management
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Brand management
Tracy Pierce
MBA DipMgt DipPM AMAMI CPM
Associate
Tracy is a marketing and communications professional with 15 years of defence experience. Starting her defence career with Tenix Defence - Electronic Systems Division (ESD), Tracy was part of the Business Development team managing the bid process, from developing tender documentation to coordinating bid teams, and managing the division's marketing activities. Following on from her time with Tenix Defence, Tracy worked for BAE Systems Australia as part of the Corporate Affairs team, managing and coordinating internal and external communications for the Joint Business Unit.
Before joining De Stefano & Co, Tracy managed events and communications for the Naval Shipbuilding College (NSC) and prior to this, spent 9 years with defence industry association, the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC). Tracy served as Director Member Services and Marketing and Editor of Defence Business magazine during her time at the DTC, overseeing the member engagement program, marketing and communications, and representing member capabilities to prime defence contractors, government and SMEs in Australia and overseas.
A graduate of the 2013 South Australian Defence Industry Leadership Program (SADILP), Tracy is also a Certified Practising Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute and holds Diplomas in Project Management and Management.
Professional expertise and interests:
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Strategic marketing and communications
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Tender response development and review
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Grant applications
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Brand development
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Project management
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Business improvement
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