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About

As Celsus’s Chief Executive Officer, I lead one of the most significant infrastructure projects in South Australia, overseeing the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH)—the largest public-private partnership (PPP) in the region’s history. My leadership is strongly committed to sustainability, innovation, and community impact.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Direct overall strategic planning and operational management of the Royal Adelaide Hospital project, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and stakeholder expectations.
  • Foster partnerships between public and private sectors to drive project success, resulting in groundbreaking financial and operational achievements.
  • Champion sustainability initiatives, achieving notable certifications and recognition in the healthcare and finance industries.

Key Achievements:

  • Secured the world’s largest sustainability loan in healthcare, totalling A$2.12 billion, recognised as the Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year at The Asset 2024 Sustainable Infrastructure Awards in Singapore.
  • Achieved 4-star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia, demonstrating our commitment to environmentally responsible building practices.
  • Successfully integrated over 70 internal courtyards and 2.2 hectares of external green space, enhancing the hospital’s healing environment and community accessibility.
  • Attained a 97/100 score and 5-star rating for 2024 from GRESB, reflecting our leadership in sustainable infrastructure.
  • We were ranked in the Global SA Business Index Top 100 businesses for the second year.
  • In 2024 we partnered with Engie to install six rapid-charge EV charging bays.
  • We won the 2024 Premier’s Business and Export Awards – ESG Business of the Year Award for Environmental Social Outcomes supported by the South Australian Business Chamber.

Community Engagement:

  • Actively mentor emerging leaders and professionals in the healthcare sector, sharing insights on project management, sustainability, and effective leadership.
  • Serve as a judge for the Telstra Best of Business Awards (2022 & 2023) and a mentor for Mentor Walks, fostering growth and development within the business community.
  • An Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate and a Board Director.
  • I am pleased to partner with Jersey Day to promote non-confrontational conversations around organ donation.

I drive innovation and excellence in healthcare infrastructure while inspiring others to embrace sustainability and social responsibility.

Testimonials

What a legend .. I love Di’s no-nonsense approach to work and life.

Saying yes to opportunities and being adaptable were the key take-outs for me.

Also drawing on the “let them” approach is a good reminder. 🙂

- Carol Sheahan

So many great lessons in Di’s words of wisdom. In addition to the 45 second rule, here were a few other favorite take aways:

• Dealing with Imposter syndrome – address fear through action
• Improve by 2% each week – work towards your goal
• Believe in you – confidence will get you so far, but need to believe in yourself first ie: remove self-doubt

- Tiffany Sutton

It was inspirational listening to Di talk about her journey & is definitely someone to look up to.

I loved her authenticity and vulnerability opening up about her life and challenges she has faced in her path through leadership.

- Rachelle Guillard

Di has a practical approach to work and issues that is refreshing and helps build strong relationships between stakeholders.

Resolving complex situations was easier when working direct with Di

Thanks
Keith

- Keith Buet

I’ve had the pleasure of working both alongside and with Di since the opening of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Di is collaborative, open and honest- she displays thoughtful and effective leadership of both her teams but just as importantly, those adjacent, outwards and upwards.

No ego, no games, just focused on positive outcomes for patients, the community and the environment.

- Mark Chilvers

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