Our People

Nabi Saleh
Executive Chairman

Gloria Jean's Coffees Chairman, Nabi Saleh is one of the foremost coffee experts in Australia, with over 27 years of experience in the tea and coffee industries.

His career began in 1974 with his involvement in tea and coffee plantations in Papua New Guinea, and he still consults for both the Australian and PNG governments on the marketing, growing and selling of product out of Papua New Guinea.

As part of Australian New Guinea (ANG) Holdings, Nabi was responsible for the marketing and manufacturing of coffee and tea in Papua New Guinea. He also worked for Traveland International, responsible for purchasing and negotiating the procurement of hotel rooms on a worldwide basis. In 1978, Nabi was in charge of a medium-sized coffee company, Asco, and developed the company's turnover from a quarter of a million dollars to $15 million before it was taken over by Burns Philp.

Nabi's extensive involvement in the Australian coffee industry extends to his establishment of Columbia Coffee and Tea in 1983, Maranatha Imports Exports in 1989, Praise International in 1994 and Tea and Coffee Traders in 1986.

Ian Martin
Group Chief Executive Officer

Ian has a wealth of domestic and international franchising experience having held regional and global senior management positions as both a multi brand Corporate Franchisee and with QSR Franchisors Yum! Restaurants International and Burger King Corporation.

Ian has over a decade of international experience having lived and worked in Hong Kong. Singapore and London. Prior to returning to his hometown of Melbourne, Ian held the position of President Asia Pacific / Middle East and Senior Vice President for Burger King Corporation.

Ian is a Fellow of the Australian Society of CPA's, a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrations and Finance & Treasury Association. Ian holds a Bachelor of Business - Accounting & Business Admin.(Victorian University of Technology); Diploma of Corporate Management (Chisholm Institute of Technology); Master of Business Administration (Heriot-Watt University) and has completed the University of Oxford Advanced Management Program.

Alexandra Deakin
Global Marketing Manager

Alex spent 8 years in the Advertising Industry prior to 12 years Marketing International Retail & Franchise systems, including Yum Restaurants International (KFC, Pizza Hut & Taco Bell), where she was Marketing Director for Pizza Hut International. She has worked extensively in Europe, US & Australia across a number of brands, bringing a wealth of both Brand Management & International experience to the team. She holds a Bachelor of Science (1^st Class) joint honors in Applied Chemistry & Business, from Kingston University in the UK.

Craig Fishburn
Global Commercial Manager

Craig has been with Gloria Jean's Coffees since June 2003. Craig has extensive experience in commercial contracts negotiating license agreements for Sydney Olympics 2000 and Rugby World Cup, holding senior roles at Super League / National Rugby League (NRL) and Fila Sportswear Australasia, in the field of commercial license contracts.

Chris Muir
Global Supply Chain Manager

Chris has 26 years local and international experience in leading food and beverage companies, many of them multinationals, where he held senior roles across a broad portfolio including operations, logistics and general management. In his new role, Chris will draw on his impressive track record in leading successful change programs across all aspects and levels of supply chain operations. Chris holds a BSc (Honours) from Sydney University, Australia.

Steven Paddis
Chief Financial Officer

Steve has been with Gloria Jean's Coffees since March 2006 bringing to the business commercial experience spanning all fields of finance and accounting. Steve has a strong background across large FMCG organizations, including Arnott's and Unilever, and has a track record of driving change and process improvements across the commercial environment.

Rudi Selles
Global Franchise Development Manager

Rudi brings 15 years franchise experience, both locally and internationally, to his new role. Of significance, he has experience in negotiating large and complex transactions and in resolving disputes across different cultures. Rudi's background in ensuring risk is seamlessly integrated into successful business outcomes through positive motivation and effective management of stakeholders is a plus for Gloria Jean's Coffees.

Rudi is also a former chief legal counsel and senior executive with QSR, a large international franchise. He holds a BA, LLB, University of NSW, Australia; Certificate of Completion Company Secretary, Charted Institute of Company Secretaries; and Legal Practicing Certificate NSW.

Maria Stamoulis
Global Human Resources Manager

Maria is the Global Human Resources Manager and has been with the company since January 2007. Maria has over 12 years' experience in human resources, having previously held positions at Metcash Trading Australasia, Woolworths Limited and The Just Group. Maria holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations) and is currently completing her MBA.

Michael Tregurtha
Global Operations Manager

With a career spanning 28 years in franchise businesses and retail operations, Michael has an in-depth understanding of our business. He has 20 years experience in leading Australia's best practice multi-outlet franchise operation, with an excellent track record in managing operations, franchise relations and profitability. Michael's academic honours include: M.Mkt, Melbourne University, Australia; MBA, Melbourne University; and an advanced Diploma of Management.