Executive Team | Aquion

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Executive Team

Executive Team

Stephen Balicki
Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Stephen leads Aquion as its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to Aquion Stephen held several senior positions in IBM including sales, marketing and management positions in Australia and Japan with a focus on the Asia Pacific region.

Understanding the value and necessity for cybersecurity and the importance of protecting information back in 2000, Stephen founded Aquion and now oversees the company’s overall strategy, direction and leadership.

Stephen is an innovator and has shaped the solutions offered, people management and operation processes within Aquion. Stephen’s vision has grown Aquion to its current state and is working on the strategic initiatives to take Aquion to its next phase.

Audrey Lyon
Head of Strategic Business Development

Serving as Aquion’s Head of Strategic Business Development, Audrey has over 30 years of experience in local and multi-national businesses such as HP, IBM and BHP IT.

Since joining in 2002 as the General Manager of Sales and subsequently Chief Revenue Officer, Audrey has been instrumental in the growth and success of Aquion bearing responsibility for overall sales, business development, technical services and customer success. Over Audrey’s time at Aquion she has developed a keen eye for identifying emerging successes and sophisticated premium vendors.

Audrey is a long-term industry contributor and has held positions such as the Sydney Branch Chair and National Conference Director for AISA.

Richard Thomas
COO / CFO

Richard is Aquion’s COO/CFO who has over three decades of hands-on financial management experience in high-growth and multinational companies such as Nike (Hurley) and a variety of start-ups across a range of industries.

Richard ensures Aquion is operationally and financially scalable to meet and achieve future growth.

With experience across a wide range of enterprise and SMB roles Richard is a vital component in the day-to-day and long-term operations of Aquion.

His notable achievements include managing and growing organisations in various roles including finance, general management, operations, distribution and developing start-ups.

Ian Curtinsmith

CIO / CTO

Ian Curtinsmith CTO Hand Shake

Joining Aquion in April 2023 as its new CIO/CTO, Ian brings to the role extensive C-level experience in IT governance and Business Intelligence solutions, with over 28 years of management expertise.

Before joining Aquion, Ian served as the CIO of Medlab Clinical, a multinational Pharmaceutical Biotechnology company, responsible for all digital and technology decisions, including strategic planning, business integration, risk assessment, security, disaster recovery, and change management. Ian also spent 9 years as an Executive Team member of FIT-BioCeuticals, a division of Blackmores Ltd (BKL:ASX), overseeing the company’s technology and digital strategies for its practioner brands such as BioCeuticals, IsoWhey, Fusion Health, and Oriental Botanicals.

Ian’s track record of delivering successful technology projects extends to large enterprises such as GSM/Vodafone, Chartered Accounts, OfficeWorks, Clemenger, and Colonial. In addition, he has provided outsourcing alternatives and consultation to small and medium businesses, as well as acting as a consultant for the music industry, television, and production companies.

Ian is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors member and holds an Associate Diploma in Electrical Technology.

Samantha Zhang

Chief of Staff

Ian Curtinsmith CTO Hand Shake

Samantha is a seasoned professional with nearly a decade of dedicated service at Aquion, where her commitment and expertise have become integral to the company’s success. With an in-depth understanding of the business at every level, Samantha serves as a vital bridge between the executive team and various departments. Her collaborative approach allows her to seamlessly work across all facets of the organization, fostering cohesion and effective communication. As a trusted liaison, Samantha plays a key role in aligning organizational objectives, ensuring that the executive vision translates into actionable goals for team members. Her multifaceted role underscores her invaluable contribution to Aquion’s growth and operational excellence.

 

Andre Sabian

General Manager, Sales

Andre Sabian General Manager, Sales Aquion

With over two decades of leadership within the Australian IT sector, Andre is an experienced and results-oriented professional who has made significant strides in sales, sales leadership, and general management roles in large, ASX-listed Australian IT companies. The pursuit of innovation and transformation has marked his journey in the industry, driving organisations and lines of business towards new heights of success. From conceptualisation to execution, he has played a pivotal role in architecting and delivering solutions that meet clients’ evolving needs in today’s digital landscape. His ability to navigate complex technological landscapes and translate them into tangible business outcomes has driven customer satisfaction and loyalty. Andre has extensive experience working with the Australian IT channel, global and local vendors, distributors, and clients in many vertical industries.

 Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of steering large teams encompassing sales, marketing, operations, practice management, and service delivery. Beyond his professional endeavours, he is deeply invested in fostering industry-wide collaboration and knowledge sharing. He actively participates in thought leadership forums, industry forums, and mentorship programs, contributing insights and perspectives to shape the future of IT innovation.