Management Team

Peter Paddon is the Founder and Director of First Focus, where he takes a direct interest in all solutions the company offers, ensuring they are smart, value-driven and accurately reflect what clients need. He has driven the growth of the business through continual improvement and a focus on customer outcomes.

Peter is an experienced technical consultant and business analyst with a strong track record of designing systems that improve efficiency and business performance. His career includes roles as e-commerce manager for IMG's online division Trans World International, where he designed e-commerce platforms for Manchester United, the PGA golf tour and the Rugby World Cup during the internet's early days. He has also worked as a technical consultant and solutions architect for the Commonwealth Bank, Dimension Data, PricewaterhouseCoopers, IBM and Telstra.

He focuses on translating technology into successful customer outcomes, drawing on considerable IT infrastructure knowledge and deep understanding of how technology drives business value. Peter is based in Sydney.

Ross Sardi is the CEO of First Focus, a managed IT service provider operating across Australia. He has more than 20 years of experience helping organisations use technology to work more effectively and securely.

Ross joined First Focus in 2014 to grow the Western Australia branch, relocated to Sydney in 2015 to oversee national service delivery, and became CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, First Focus has grown significantly through organic expansion and multiple acquisitions, driven by a focus on customer experience and delivering business outcomes for clients.

His career began with running his own IT services business, followed by roles with providers ranging from managed service operations to Dell's consulting division. This experience shapes his approach to helping clients adopt practical solutions in cybersecurity, automation and AI that deliver genuine business value.

Ross authored The First Focus Method in 2023, reflecting his belief that people and culture drive long-term business success. He holds an Honours Degree in Engineering

Andrew Smith is the Chief Commercial Officer at First Focus, where he oversees finance, operations, data analytics and the acquisition and integration of technology businesses. He brings over 30 years of IT experience spanning communications, networking, business intelligence, cyber security and enterprise IT systems.

Andrew founded and led Cool Chilli for 26 years, growing it into a well-established managed service provider with deep technical capability and licensed gaming industry specialisation. Cool Chilli was acquired by First Focus in March 2025. His experience includes consulting to the Australian Federal Government, the intelligence community and small to medium enterprises at executive and board level.

He works with clients and leadership teams to drive operational performance, informed decision making and business growth, combining technical depth with commercial insight developed across diverse industries.

Andrew is active in the managed service provider community, facilitating industry peer groups and providing guidance on succession planning and financial performance management.

Brendan Ritchie is the Chief Growth Officer at First Focus, where he leads business growth, marketing strategy and partner relationships.

Brendan has over 15 years of experience in the information and communication technology sector. Before joining First Focus in 2023, he was Chief Customer Officer at Lightwire, a telecommunications company operating in Australia and New Zealand, where he helped make it the fastest growing New Zealand telco above $10 million in revenue.

He works with clients, vendors and partners to understand their business goals and help them do more through technology. Brendan is passionate about AI, data and automation, and helps organisations find the right solutions and partnerships to solve problems and build new capabilities. He combines business acumen with technical expertise to help clients and internal teams drive better business outcomes through technology.

Brendan is based on the Gold Coast.

Edgard Nasr is the Chief Experience Officer at First Focus, where he oversees support, service delivery and engineering operations. He is responsible for ensuring clients and end users receive a consistent, high-quality experience across every touchpoint of the service journey.

Edgard has 20 years of experience across the ICT and managed services industry. He began his career as a technical engineer with global vendors including Siemens and Nokia before progressing into project management, service management and executive leadership roles.

He focuses on aligning IT services with client needs, empowering teams to deliver exceptional service and improving operational performance across the service lifecycle. Edgard's approach combines technical knowledge with a strong focus on user experience and business outcomes.

Edgard holds a Master's degree in Computer and Telecommunications Engineering. He's based in Sydney.

Karl Richardson is the Chief Technology Officer at First Focus, where he oversees the integrity of the company's technical solutions, manages third level escalations and leads the design of data centre and cloud infrastructure. He ensures clients benefit from robust, well-designed technical architecture.

Karl has over 10 years of experience at First Focus as a senior server and systems consultant. Before joining First Focus, he worked as a senior systems engineer and team leader for Unisys, supporting clients including Multiplex, Bankwest and Crane Group, where he designed and maintained complex infrastructure solutions.

He leads the team responsible for third level technical escalations and oversees all technical projects delivered by First Focus. Karl's approach combines deep infrastructure expertise with a focus on reliability and performance for clients.

Karl holds technical certifications in Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix and VMware. He's based in Sydney.

Phil Barton is the Chief Customer Officer at First Focus, where he leads the company’s Account Management, Procurement, Strategic Partnerships and Consulting functions. He focuses on ensuring clients experience consistent, high-quality service and that technology decisions align with their broader business goals.

With more than 25 years in the IT industry, Phil’s background spans internal IT roles and service provider environments, giving him a practical understanding of the challenges faced by mid-market organisations. Since joining First Focus in 2012, he has progressed from technical and project delivery roles into senior leadership positions across the client and commercial teams.

Phil helps clients by strengthening executive-level relationships, simplifying complex decisions, and ensuring teams deliver measurable ROI. He works closely with leaders across the business to drive retention, growth, and a consistent Super-Green experience at every touchpoint.

He holds multiple (long expired) industry certifications, including Cisco, Microsoft, and ITIL, as well as an MBA (2018). Phil is born and bred in Sydney and facilitates a ConnectWise IT Nation Evolve peer group for GM’s/COO’s each quarter.

Neil is the Chief People Officer at First Focus, responsible for the full people lifecycle including talent acquisition, development, performance and retention. He also oversees staff augmentation for clients across Australia and the US.

Neil has almost 30 years of experience in managed services across service delivery, account management, consulting, operations and people leadership. After starting his career as a civil engineer, he transitioned into technology and held senior positions with managed service providers in South Africa and Western Australia before joining First Focus in 2018.

He focuses on helping people reach their potential through talent development initiatives and building a strong middle management team. Neil oversees employee engagement across Australia and the Philippines through a team of branch managers. For clients using staff augmentation services, he sources employees who align with their values and technical requirements.

Neil holds a Bachelor of Engineering and certifications in leadership, accounting and human resources. He's based in Perth and volunteers as president and coach of a local soccer club when he's not fishing or following sport.

Leon de Bruin is a General Manager at First Focus, where he leads the Blue and Red business units and oversees service delivery, operational performance and client outcomes across Australia and New Zealand. He works closely with leadership teams to ensure First Focus provides fast, reliable and business-aligned technology services.

Leon has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry across technical account management, service delivery and IT operations. Before joining First Focus in 2020, he worked with Netsurit and 3D Marketing Services, specialising in customer relationship management, team leadership and IT operations.

He brings clarity, structure and commercial focus to complex environments, partnering with clients to uplift capability, reduce risk and ensure technology supports their strategic business goals.

Leon holds various Microsoft certifications, including Solution Architect, and is based in Brisbane. Outside work, he enjoys DIY projects and collects comic books.

Ryan McAleer is a General Manager at First Focus, where he leads the Green and Teal business units and oversees technical support, service delivery and client experience across managed IT services.

Ryan has more than 20 years of experience in IT and managed services. Before joining First Focus in 2023, he held senior roles including Operations Manager, Senior Technical Engineer and Business Development Manager across various organisations.

He works closely with clients to simplify complex IT environments, delivering consistent, scalable support and service desk solutions that let organisations focus on growth rather than infrastructure. Ryan emphasises clear communication, proactive support and accountability, ensuring clients receive reliable, vendor-agnostic advice and seamless IT operations. Ryan is based in Melbourne.

Nathan Morel is a General Manager at First Focus, where he leads the Orange, Purple and Black business units. He is responsible for ensuring clients receive consistent service outcomes across support, projects and account management, working with leadership teams to convert operational performance into clear business outcomes.

Nathan has more than 17 years of experience in IT managed services, starting on the help desk and progressing into senior operational leadership. Before joining First Focus in early 2024, he ran two small businesses and served as second-in-command at another managed service provider, supporting organisations across a range of industries with a strong focus on not-for-profits.

He helps clients achieve their goals by taking a practical, outcome-led approach to technology, using systems and process improvements to simplify complex problems. Nathan focuses on clear accountability, predictable delivery and improvements clients can see.

Nathan is a former Microsoft MVP and is based in Melbourne. Outside work, he enjoys camping, fishing, barbecues and hobby farming.

Jason Lynch is Head of Finance at First Focus, where he oversees the company's financial operations, reporting, forecasting and compliance, ensuring finance continues to support both strategic growth and operational excellence.

Jason has over 20 years of financial leadership experience across sectors including logistics, life sciences, recruitment and professional services. Before joining First Focus, he served as Group Financial Controller at several ASX-listed and private firms and held senior regional finance roles for Asia-Pacific businesses. This broad experience gives him a deep understanding of both local and international financial challenges.

He focuses on delivering clarity, stability and insight, helping the business scale efficiently and enabling informed decision-making by leadership. Jason aligns financial discipline with business growth, ensuring clients and stakeholders benefit from sustainable operations.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of New South Wales and is a Chartered Accountant. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and staying active outdoors.

Kosta Haltis is the Head of Software at First Focus, where he leads the design and delivery of bespoke software solutions, including automation and AI, for both internal teams and clients. He is responsible for ensuring software initiatives deliver measurable business value and align with real operational needs.

Kosta brings nearly 20 years of professional experience across software engineering and IT services. He founded and scaled a successful IT services and software development agency, which was acquired by First Focus in 2024. Prior to the acquisition, his work primarily supported small businesses across a wide range of industries, with deep experience in business continuity, education, and manufacturing.

Kosta works closely with leadership teams to help them make sound software decisions, maximise the value of existing platforms, and identify where custom development, integrations, or automation can deliver strong ROI. His focus is on defining constraints, clarifying what is feasible, and building practical solutions to real business problems.

He holds First Class Honours degrees in Computer Systems Engineering and Finance. Based in Australia, Kosta actively mentors startup founders and small business owners, and regularly hosts internships to support the next generation of software developers.

Mia Tait is a Microsoft 365 Consultant at First Focus, specialising in SharePoint and Microsoft 365 solutions. She leads consulting engagements that help organisations optimise their Microsoft 365 environments, with a focus on SharePoint implementations, migrations and governance strategies.

Mia has over 13 years of experience in Microsoft technologies across consulting, training and change management. Before joining First Focus, she ran her own consultancy, MiVirtual, supporting organisations of all sizes to adopt Microsoft 365. Her background across various industries gives her a deep understanding of operational challenges and user needs.

She works closely with clients to streamline workflows, improve collaboration and reduce inefficiencies. Mia's approach prioritises simplicity and sustainability, ensuring solutions are easy to manage and deliver measurable business outcomes. She conducts workshops and webinars to help teams use SharePoint, Teams and related apps effectively.

Mia is based in Queensland and regularly shares insights on Microsoft 365 best practices through events and online content.

Lin Xiang is Head of Projects at First Focus, where he leads the project management office and delivery team. He specialises in digital transformation, cloud enablement and enterprise architecture.

Lin has over 20 years of experience across professional and managed services. Before joining First Focus in 2022, he was Head of Professional Services and Presales at Orro Group and held a senior executive role at Correct Solutions.

He works with clients to align technology strategy with business outcomes, designing solutions that are resilient, secure and cost efficient. Lin guides clients through complex migrations and transformations, and has built the delivery methodology behind the First Focus Super Green Project Experience.

Lin holds a Master of Information and Communication Technology from the University of Wollongong, a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems from ACU, and a Bachelor of Engineering. He's based in Sydney and enjoys tinkering with 3D modelling and 3D printing when he's not exploring the latest Apple products.

Paul Griscti is the Head of Internal IT at First Focus, responsible for technology strategy, core systems, security and operational performance across the business. He leads the internal IT function with a focus on reliability, modernisation and effective service delivery.

Paul has more than 20 years of experience across managed services, infrastructure and IT operations. Before joining First Focus, he held senior leadership roles at blueAPACHE, Harbour IT, Bluestone APAC and other enterprise environments, where he delivered large-scale cloud, security and ITSM programmes and led teams across multiple countries.

He improves system stability, strengthens security and aligns technology with organisational needs, focusing on practical delivery, clear processes and measurable outcomes that support business performance.

Paul holds a Master of Business in IT Management from the University of Technology Sydney, along with certifications in Azure, ITIL, PRINCE2 and ISO 27001. He's based in Sydney.

Alex is the Head of Support at First Focus, where he oversees the service desk and field service technicians. He is responsible for delivering high-quality service to clients while continuously improving the efficiency and capability of his team.

Alex has over 13 years of experience in managed IT services, starting on the First Focus service desk in 2011 as the first point of contact for customers. He was promoted to Service Desk Manager, where he directly managed the help desk for several years before progressing to his current role. Before joining First Focus, Alex worked in retail, where he developed his passion for helping customers and managing customer experiences.

He focuses on ensuring clients receive consistent, responsive support while building team capability through strong service desk management and recruitment practices. Alex's approach combines technical problem solving with a customer-first mindset developed over more than a decade in the industry.

Alex holds a Bachelor of IT from the University of Wollongong, majoring in Network Design and Management.

Ben Sharp is the Head of Engineering at First Focus, where he leads the engineering organisation and sets the direction for the systems and practices that support clients across Australia and New Zealand. He is responsible for engineering strategy, delivery quality and the frameworks that help teams work with clarity and consistency.

Ben has more than 15 years of experience across managed services, professional services and cyber security. Before joining First Focus in 2025, he was a senior executive at a national managed service provider and professional services company, overseeing strategy, product development and implementation, vendor management, customer experience and team leadership. His earlier work included delivering large-scale and technically complex projects across cloud, networking, infrastructure and security.

He builds teams that solve problems quickly and communicate clearly, ensuring technical decisions support long-term business outcomes. Ben's approach draws on broad engineering experience and a focus on practical, reliable service.

Ben began his career in 2007 as a network engineer and has worked across infrastructure, unified communications and security.

Nicole Holmes is the Head of Digital Experience at First Focus, where she leads strategy across AI, automation and user engagement. She specialises in improving how people learn, collaborate and navigate their digital tools, creating systems that feel clearer, faster and more human.

Nicole brings 15 years of experience spanning engineering, service delivery, training and technical leadership. Before stepping into her current role in 2023, she held positions across systems design, network and voice engineering, and service desk operations at First Focus, Diverse IT and Amcom.

Her work centres on removing friction from day to day workflows and helping clients adopt digital solutions that save time, strengthen capability and lift overall employee experience. Nicole's approach blends behavioural design with practical execution to deliver outcomes that improve productivity and confidence.

She holds certifications across automation, learning systems and collaboration technologies, and is based in Melbourne.

Jordan is the Head of Service Delivery at First Focus, bringing more than 10 years of IT industry experience with a strong focus on service management and problem solving. He has over 7 years specialising in service delivery and a deep understanding of operational performance and client expectations.

As one of the earliest contributors to the Service Delivery team, Jordan helped shape its structure, processes and customer-centric approach. His background across support and service delivery gives him broad insight into delivering consistently high-quality services.

Jordan ensures First Focus delivers on its commitments and provides an exceptional client experience. He guides teams to uphold high standards of contract adherence and service quality, ensuring every engagement meets the level of reliability clients depend on.

Jordan is based in Tasmania.

Narelle Earley is the Operations Support Manager at First Focus, where she leads the optimisation of operational systems, contract management and process excellence across the organisation. A member of the Senior Management Team, Strategic Council and Leadership Lab, she drives initiatives that enhance efficiency, strengthen data integrity and improve the client experience.

Narelle has more than 20 years of experience in IT operations, service delivery and process improvement, built across technical, administrative and leadership roles in both Australia and the UK. Since joining First Focus in 2016, she has progressed through multiple roles by delivering measurable operational improvements and leading high-impact initiatives.

She streamlines complex workflows, manages acquisition integrations and implements systems that reduce cost and operational friction for clients. Narelle's leadership centres on clarity, collaboration and enabling teams to do their best work.

She holds certifications in ConnectWise, operational leadership and IT systems, and is a three-time First Focus MVP and Hall of Fame inductee. Narelle is based in Perth.

Nathan is the Head of AI and Automation at First Focus, helping shape how the business uses emerging technology to improve outcomes for clients and teams. His focus is on turning AI and automation into practical, reliable improvements across the service experience.

Nathan has been with First Focus for 10 years, growing through technical, service delivery, engineering and operations roles. He's often stepped into newly created positions, building them from scratch and giving them structure as the business has evolved.

Clients value his ability to cut through complexity and focus on outcomes, using people, process and data to reduce friction, improve consistency and ensure technology decisions support real business goals.

Nathan brings 16 years of industry experience and is trained across business, IT frameworks and technical areas. He's based in Melbourne and enjoys mentoring teams through change and continuous improvement.

Jason LaMacchia is Head of Strategic Alliances at First Focus, where he directs vendor and partner relationships to support the company's growth and market positioning across Australia. He also manages the sales support team and Apple Service Centre.

Jason has decades of commercial and management experience. Before joining First Focus, he founded and led eStorm Australia, scaling it from a startup into a full-service managed IT provider with over 25 staff. His background also includes senior leadership roles in sales operations and business development across IT services and retail sectors.

He connects clients' business needs with best-fit technology partners, enabling seamless service delivery, broad vendor access and scalable solutions that grow with the organisation. Jason's strategic alliance work ensures clients benefit from deep technical expertise, competitive pricing and trusted vendor-agnostic guidance.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Business/Commerce from Griffith University and is based in Brisbane. His entrepreneurial background gives him a strong commercial mindset and practical understanding of the challenges mid-market businesses face when scaling IT operations.

Clayton Lee is the Practice Manager for Unified Communications at First Focus, where he ensures clients have access to the best solutions in phone systems, contact centres and video conferencing, and are using them to their fullest extent.

Clayton has over 17 years of experience in unified communications, beginning in 2007. Before joining First Focus, he owned and ran his own 35-person managed service provider for 20 years before selling it in 2020.

His mix of technical expertise and business experience allows him to view unified communications needs through a unique lens that considers more than just call routing. Clayton engages throughout the process as a presales engineer, project manager or implementation specialist to ensure major projects stay on track and deliver the outcomes clients need. Clayton is based in Sydney.

Lucas is the Consulting Practice Manager at First Focus, where he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering cyber security, technical consulting, solution design and Microsoft 365 expertise. He focuses on clarity, consistency and practical outcomes, working with senior stakeholders to set strategic direction, strengthen governance and support a modern consulting model that drives operational excellence and long-term growth.

Lucas brings over 25 years of experience across IT operations, cyber security, solution design and project delivery. His background includes founding and leading Rock IT, an award-winning managed service provider, and 4walls Cyber Advisory, giving him broad commercial and technical insight across the sector.

He works with organisations to simplify complex technical issues, improve cyber resilience and align technology decisions with business priorities. Lucas focuses on clear, practical guidance that helps leaders make informed choices and achieve measurable outcomes.

Lucas has proven capability in cyber security strategy, IT governance and operational leadership. He's based in Melbourne and enjoys music, film, swimming and spending time with his family.

Mae is the Philippines Branch Manager at First Focus, overseeing operations across two Manila offices. She specialises in staff wellbeing, fostering culture and managing HR and compliance across the branch. Mae also leads staff onboarding company-wide and serves as the critical link between clients using offshore staffing solutions and their dedicated offshore teams.

Mae has over 20 years of leadership experience. She joined First Focus as a Project Manager in 2020 and was promoted to Branch Manager within nine months. Her background includes serving as IT Operations, Security and Service Desk Manager for a Danish offshore drilling services company, as well as holding senior management roles in service delivery and customer service for offshore teams supporting major UK and US telecommunications companies.

She ensures a successful client experience by prioritising clear and timely communication, listening to and understanding specific client requirements to deliver tailored, high-quality results from the offshore teams. Mae focuses on cultivating an environment where teams feel supported, empowered and equipped to deliver strong, consistent results for clients.

Mae has been a Certified HR Manager since 2022, a certification awarded by the International Federation of Professional Managers. She's based in Manila.

David Jalkh is the Integration Services Manager at First Focus, where he leads the Integration Management Office and oversees the end-to-end integration of acquired businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Since establishing the function, David has directed the successful integration of 14 acquisitions, ensuring operational alignment, commercial performance and client continuity during periods of significant organisational growth.

David has more than 20 years of experience in IT and managed service provider environments, including 18 years in leadership roles at First Focus. He has previously built core business functions including the project management office, enterprise accounts and procurement. His background spans programme management, large-scale project delivery and oversight of multimillion-dollar enterprise engagements.

He takes a structured and commercially focused approach, balancing governance, risk and operational efficiency to deliver measurable outcomes for clients and the business. David works closely with executives, stakeholders and technical leaders to embed scalable processes that support sustained growth. David is based in Sydney.