Newport Capital Group - Technology Investment Advisers

The Team

Lou Richard	Lou Richard Group Founder & Managing Director Newport Capital Group In 1987, Lou founded the Newport Capital Group. Initial engagements with Computer Power Group and ICL Pacific resulted in multiple acquisitions, new ventures (including the formation of Telepower as joint venture between Computer Power and OTC) and divestments. Lou joined IBM in the mid 1960’s, was trained as a programmer, systems analyst, and finally managed the entire Sydney Data Centre. He then spent 12 years with Computer Resources in sales, sales management, general management and start-up management roles. Lou was appointed Group CEO in 1976, managing over 300 staff, and became a shareholder. In 1979, Lou founded the Australian Technology and Computing Group (ATAC), which achieved rapid growth and sustained profitability, with a wide range of IT products and services activities. ATAC was sold to the UK based Field Engineering & Education Limited (“Fee”) in 1985, and Lou moved to London as Chairman of the Fee Group – until his return to Australia in 1987. Lou remains deeply involved in client projects, using his wide range of industry contacts and his deep knowledge of the global IT&T markets. Lou’s vision drives Newport’s development, with the goal of Newport becoming a leader in technology investment and advisory services in the Asia Pacific market.
Peter Sayers	Peter Sayers Director Peter joins Newport with more than 30 years experience in two of the largest I.T. companies in Australia as a, Market Strategist, Senior Manager, Business Development Executive and Commercial Director. His most recent position at CSC Australia as Commercial Director included responsibility for all of CSC’s acquisition and divestment activities in Australia and New Zealand. Major transactions completed included:  Acquisition of GECITS (I.T products reseller and Services Company)  Acquisition of BHPB IT Services Company  Divestment of CSC’s N.Z. subsidiary Prior to CSC Peter has worked with IBM Corporation in N.Z., Australia and Japan over 30 years. At IBM, Peter held a range of management positions including head of strategic planning and Business Development Executive. While at IBM, Peter completed several acquisition and divestment transactions. He was the lead finance and business manager for IBM Australia in the team that negotiated the formation of Australia's largest IT services business with IBM and Lend Lease (IBM Global Services Australia). He was also involved in the formation of a start-up managed services business, Advantra, a joint venture with IBM, Telstra and Lend Lease.
Daniel Marie	Daniel Marie Director Daniel has a background in Risk Management and Treasury consulting, Business Development and M&A. He started his career in M&A in 1996 as Manager of Rapid Growth Strategies for AAPT. In that role he completed several transactions with local and International voice and data telecommunications providers competing in the domestic market. From AAPT, Daniel joined Newport Capital where he has gained extensive experience in completing many corporate advisory and M&A engagements. Daniel has over the last 3 years advised the Asia Pacific division one of the world's largest engineering companies on new business development and participation in consortiums bidding for infrastructure Public Private Partnerships (PPP's) in Asia. He has also represented the company in high level discussions with Governments and infrastructure committees of the region. Prior to AAPT, Daniel established the Asian Business operation for WorldGroup Inc, a leader in Banking & Finance industry Risk Management services. Operating out of Kuala Lumpur, Daniel worked with the Central banks, Governments and regulatory bodies of the region to implement strategy and best practice methodologies for Asset & Liability risk management in the deregulating financial markets. Daniel has a BSc(Mathematics) from the University of Sydney and is a keen musician, and cryptic crossword fanatic.
Chris Johnston	Chris Johnston Director Chris has recently joined Newport from CSC Australia where he has held a number of senior finance roles, most recently as Commercial Director with responsibility for CSC Australia’s acquisition and divestment activity. Other significant roles have included responsibility for Pricing Strategy and Deal Structuring as well as financial control of CSC’s Application Support, Financial Services, and Recruitment business units. Chris is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA). He also has a post graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment from Finsia. Starting his career with a 3 year stint in a big five accounting firm, Chris now brings nearly 15 years experience in the IT industry with roles in both large Multinationals (CSC, Unisys) as well as direct experience in a Start-Up phase IT company.
Denis Bignold	Denis Bignold Consultant Denis is a seasoned senior executive holding General Manager and CEO positions with various companies for the last twenty five years. He has been employed in the computer industry for thirty seven years and has extensive national and international business experience. For the past two years, he was employed by TrakHealth as CEO world wide. The company is a leader in the supply of systems to manage hospitals. In June 2005 after a very successful financial turnaround he resigned and moved back to his home on the East Coast of Tasmania Previously and for eleven years Denis was employed by System Software Associates, a world leading ERP computer software vendor and US public company. Denis commenced the Australian operation as Managing Director which was the first international branch for the company. He held senior executive positions in several roles and has lived in Japan, China, Singapore, USA and UK. His final position was Executive Vice President World Wide Operations responsible for a global revenue budget of AU$700 million and directly responsible for world wide operations across 147 locations and 54 direct branches. Prior to SSA he was General Manager with Computer Power, one of Australia’s leading IT companies. He is a Fellow of the Company Directors Association, Fellow and past National President of the Sales Executive Society of Australia, Member of the Australian Computer Society, a Justice of the Peace, and a Marriage Celebrant. His formal studies include a Diploma of Marketing, Graduate Diploma of Business Administration and in the final stage of an MBA (Marketing) from Berkeley University.
Peter Onley	Peter Onley Finance and Administration Peter is an experienced business executive, company director and consultant with almost four decades of hands-on management involvement in technology and finance sectors. After qualifying as a CPA, Peter commenced his career in Information Technology in 1962 when he joined IBM as a systems analyst, then quickly moved into systems and operational management. Peter progressed to CEO of Computer Accounting Limited, an early developer of customised and packaged software applications and services for both small and large businesses. His experience continued to expand as a Director of Operations at Mayne Nickless, as a founding Director of Solution 6 Limited, CEO of a start-up satellite data communications company, CEO of Computer Resources Trust, a Director of Moore Business Systems and as an Executive Director of Shaw Stockbroking, where his area of responsibilities included corporate and research. Peter recently joined Newport Capital for the second time, bringing an in-depth understanding of:  management and development of technology companies  business consulting  financial management  and corporate finance Peter also brings considerable technology industries experience to his role at Newport in charge of finance and administration.
Sasha Richard	Sasha Richard Operations Co-ordinator Sasha joined Newport in 1997 as the Administration Manager. She has held a variety of roles within NCG and is currently working as Operations Co-ordinator. Whilst at NCG Sasha has obtained a thorough understanding of the TIMES and Venture Capital sectors within the investment banking industry. This has enabled her to carry out successful research and targeting on many client projects. Prior to joining NCG Sasha held roles as Payroll Administrator for Stylz Hair Design and Secretary for the Hip Dysplasia Scheme at the Australian Veterinary Association. This led to a similar role with the British Veterinary Association when Sasha resided in London.