Jim Whiting OAM
Jim Whiting OAMExecutive Chair
Jim founded BADGE in 1983, steering the organisation to become one of Australia’s largest, privately-owned commercial construction companies.

He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building, Past Chairman and member of the MBA (SA) Industrial Relations Committee and an MBA (SA) Past President. He holds positions as a Patron of Hutt Street Centre and Chairman of MRS Harmony Property Group.

On the Australia Day 2019 Honours List, Jim received an Order of Australia Medal for service to the building and construction industry.

Nick Abley
Nick AbleyChief Executive
Nick joined the BADGE Group in 2009, bringing over two decades of project and general management experience from both the private and public building and property development sectors in South Australia.

He has led the organisation through notable periods of growth, overseeing the development and success of personnel within BADGE. In July 2017, Nick took responsibility for the operations of the Group, and in April 2023, he became Chief Executive, now directing strategic planning and operational excellence across the company.

Dan Hinton
Dan HintonHead of Operations
Dan joined BADGE in 2023 with over 20 years of construction experience spanning an impressive number of sectors. Dan has over a decade of senior leadership experience managing business growth, P&L results, balance sheets and strategic growth.

He’s passionate about honing the professional development of his teams to deliver a successful and rewarding experience for stakeholders.

Simon Hill
Simon HillChief Financial Officer
Simon has more than 20 years experience working as a Senior Accountant, Financial Controller and Finance Manager. Since joining the BADGE Group in 2000, Simon has overseen the growth of the company’s financial systems and finance team to keep pace with growth of the company.

As Chief Financial Officer for the Group, Simon also brings his strategic knowledge to the role of Executive Director.

Simon is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Karolina Ignatovich
Karolina IgnatovichHead of Human Resources, Marketing and Communications
Karolina joined BADGE in 2021, bringing with her fourteen years’ experience across generalist human resource functions with strong commercial acumen, industrial relations and workforce planning expertise.

During her career Karolina has acquired a Master’s degree in Psychology, Human Resource Management, Business Administration and Business Law, which allows her to leverage contemporary approaches to business management.

Bradley Watts
Bradley WattsGeneral Manager SA
Bradley has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry including senior project roles across a variety of commercial sectors for both private and government clientele. Bradley has delivered contracts under many methods and has in-depth, practical knowledge of construction systems and processes.

Joining BADGE in 2008, Bradley moved within the Group to the role of Manager Chappell Builders in 2015 and in July 2017 to Manager Brisbane before returning to SA in 2021.

Bradley is a member of the MBA (SA) Council of Management Committee.

Matt Peters
Matt PetersGeneral Manager Sunshine Coast
Matt is a seasoned construction professional responsible for the project and site management of a significant portion of the building landscape of the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland. For nearly 20 years, Matt has worked alongside clients and contractors to bring both small and large scale projects to life.

Throughout his time with BADGE Matt has continued to move in to different roles, growing his capability from an operational expert ‘on the tools’ to a respected leader delivering quality construction projects.

Tom De Garis
Tom De GarisNational Defence Lead
Commencing his career with BADGE over 13 years ago as a labourer, Tom has performed a number of roles to now take the helm of our national Defence portfolio where he specialises in strategy, business development, procurement, delivery and systems development.

His construction knowledge enables him to expertly deliver construction projects in operationally secure environments while considering explosive ordnance, live training areas, airside, hazard areas, restricted electrical areas and secure construction.

Danica Trimboli
Danica TrimboliBusiness Continuity Manager
Danica has worked with BADGE for over a decade, developing and delivering key components of the strategic and business plans and working with the senior leadership teams to create, measure and govern. Her communication skills are utilised to enhance management systems for our people and our quality, safety and environmental compliance requirements of BADGE.

Her passion for construction has resulted in her appointment as Vice-President of the National Association for Women in Construction (SA Chapter) Council where she works to increase the opportunities for women in the industry.

Bruno Degasperis
Bruno DegasperisHead of ICT
Bruno has worked in the ICT industry for over 30 years and solely with BADGE for half of that time. He oversees the ICT function of the business including internal development, support systems and specialists who provide configuration and support for our Group’s national information technology and communications infrastructure.

Board Members

Charlie Whiting
Charlie WhitingDirector
Charlie has been on the BADGE Group Board since 2008. Having worked for 30 years within the banking and finance industry, Charlie held roles in sales and management leading high achieving teams at several respected multi-national companies. Charlie is currently General Manager of Corporate Property Services, an Adelaide-based property development and management business, actively developing and managing commercial real estate investments on behalf of itself and a range of investors.
Bruce Carter
Bruce CarterDirector
Bruce is a chartered accountant and experienced company director. He is Chair of the Australian Submarine Corporation and a Director of the Bank of Queensland Limited, Crown Resorts Limited and One Rail Australia. He holds other board positions with a number of private companies and government bodies. His outstanding reputation within the business community combined with his knowledge and expertise built over a stellar 30 year career in corporate restructuring and insolvency is valuable to the BADGE Group for business growth.
Ed Whiting
Ed WhitingExecutive Director
Ed joined BADGE in 2010 and became a member of the board in 2023. His expertise in project delivery and systems management has been instrumental in implementing digital platforms, enhancing safety systems, and streamlining onboarding processes. Ed’s deep understanding of our operations ensures he remains closely connected to our day-to-day activities, positioning him well to assist the board in providing strategic direction.