Kristina Irish

My role as COO has the responsibility of leading the operations of the business in accordance with Roberts + Morrow's strategic plans and operating budgets. The COO collaborates with the Executive and Partnership group to identify, develop and implement strategies aligned with the future direction of the Firm, whilst building a positive workplace culture. The COO plays an important role in the achievement of the firm's mission and strategic goals.

Reporting directly to the Managing Partner/CEO - working as 2IC, the role worked towards the creation and delivery of executive level strategies, leading business operations including financial management, business growth and development, client relations, board and shareholder governance, legal, and risk management.

Engaged to mobilise the Hub to deliver a stretching global mandate, from the ground-up, I have led the creation of a corporate services framework in addition to developing and integrating a multi-departmental team capable of delivering excellence. Working along with G20 finance ministers, high-level officials, and the in-house team, I have guided the organisation from early stage to maturity, evolving operations, HR, financial, technology, risk and governance environments to mobilise a ‘think-and-do tank’ in global infrastructural development. • Established a premium Sydney office and corporate services capability, inclusive of operations, IT, HR, finance, administration, governance, risk, and office functions; • Completed key corporate services infrastructure projects, service negotiations and IT upgrades, delivering under-budget while meeting organisational needs; • Recruited high-level talent, creating people and culture frameworks while providing leadership throughout several periods of growth and transition; • Appointed COO delegate during a leadership transition, leading closure of important property lease negotiations. Commenced role as Director, Operations in June 2015 and progressed to Director, Finance & Operations and Executive Team member in April 2017. Progressed to Executive Director, Finance & Administration in 2018.

Joining a boutique regional private equity firm with offices across ANZ, I was tasked with strengthening and streamlining operations, maturing processes and systems to support business objectives. This included the ground-up development of a strategic planning process. I maintained oversight of company finances, as well as providing leadership across administration, IT, HR, governance, risk, WHS, compliance and corporate functions. • Launched the inaugural two-year plan, creating clear strategic direction and improving governance; • Orchestrated several IT, software, and physical upgrades, strengthening vendor relationships to enable effective contract negotiations; • Drove improvements in staff morale and engagement, instituting company-wide staff feedback sessions and team building events.

Responsible for areas of office administration, including enrolments, fee management, invoicing, receipts, communications, database management, customer service and engagement with parents and students. I made key operational contributions to a best practice, dynamic learning environment.

An autonomous role spanning operations, office/administration management, business support and property management, I gained experience in a rapid growth environment, establishing business processes and working to create a positive workplace culture. Responsible for governance, risk and procurement.

I operated as a Project Manager in personal/community projects, including the leadership of customised house build in Sydney, Australia, attending to various consulting projects, and a volunteer role with the Operations Centre of Surf Lifesaving NSW, a pressured operational role.

Supporting the Chief Economist for all data analytics within the Economics group, management of the Economic Statistics database, I was also responsible for provision of client material for the Economics Group.

Responsible for directing and managing IT installations in British Embassies, Consulates, and High Commissions around the globe, I set-up, ran and managed the IT Training Centre in the Foreign Office in Whitehall for diplomatic staff in preparation for overseas postings. I was subsequently promoted to lead multiple large-scale offshore projects of IT installations, upgrades and training programs for Embassies and their staff.