Executive Leadership Team

Martin Mercer, Chief Executive Officer

For the decade up to 2020, Martin was the CEO and MD of two high-growth businesses. More recently, he was the CEO of a start-up disrupting the legal practice management industry. He has successfully led a disruptive challenger brand during its scale-up phase, an incumbent internet services business through a turnaround and ultimate transformation into a leading digital services business, and a start-up taking an innovative SaaS platform to market.

In addition to a dozen years of CEO experience, Martin has enjoyed senior leadership roles in functional areas including sales, marketing, product management, channel management, business development, and strategy and planning. This experience was acquired in both B2B and B2C contexts.

Martin is responsible for the performance of Scentia and its operating businesses.

Warren Creighton, Chief Financial Officer

Warren Creighton has spent over 13 years in senior roles in finance in the private education sector. He oversees all financial matters, including compliance with corporate and accounting standards and TEQSA standards. He oversees development of budgets for Scentia and its entities, including ACHW.

Candice Heskey, Executive Director and Head of School

Candice Heskey is a qualified Dermal Clinician with a history of extensive experience in the Health and Wellness industry, specialising in advanced treatment modalities and skin therapies. Beyond a deep practical and theoretical knowledge of the treatment of skin conditions, Candice also has experience in the management of multiple skin, cosmetic, and laser clinics.

Through her experience, Candice has developed a recognition of the need for qualifications within the industry. This passion and a strong focus on maintaining standards and integrity, along with implementation of evidence-based practice in skin and health management, led Candice to join ACHW.

In her role as Executive Director and Head of School, Candice has been heavily involved in the launch and management of ACHW, as well as the coordination and development of its higher education programs.

Janene Barrett

Janene Barrett - Director of Education

Janene Barrett has spent the last 23 years in teaching and academic/operational leadership roles across the Higher Education and VET sectors. She manages all aspects of education operations of ACHW as a Higher Education provider, including teaching and learning practices, customer experience, new course development, and course improvements. Janene is a key member of education governing bodies, including the academic board, teaching and learning committee, and course advisory/review committee.

Steven Smith - Chief Technology Officer

Steve Smith has over 20 years of experience in product management and marketing roles, the last 3+ in the private education sector. He is responsible for providing strategic direction of the course portfolio and student experience at ACHW and oversees the implementation of these strategies.

Liz Douglas, Head of People and Culture

Liz Douglas has over 14 years of experience across Australia and internationally in human resources and operations in the corporate sector. She leads the HR function of Scentia and ACHW with the responsibility of building high performing teams and staff wellbeing.

Trenton Barnier, Chief Marketing Officer

Trenton Barnier has a master’s degree in marketing and 10 years of experience working in marketing, including experiential, B2C, B2B, analysis, and advisory. He leads the marketing function of Scentia and its entities, including ACHW.