Martin is the CEO and Managing Director of Scentia, guiding the growth of AIM, AIM Business School and the Australasian College of Health and Wellness, and the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. He is passionate about helping people and organisations unlock their potential through education.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience across major Australian companies, Martin has led businesses through growth and transformation in sectors ranging from the Internet to digital services. He brings a strong commitment to innovation, people development and building lasting impact through learning.
With almost 20 years spent mastering the art of financial leadership in the education sector, Warren knows how to turn complexity into clarity—and numbers into strategy. As CFO of Scentia, he’s not just keeping the books balanced; he’s helping shape the future of the business.
Warren works closely with the board, executive team, and private equity partners to drive growth, manage risk, and unlock value across the group. His career includes working at PwC and Study Group, giving him a rare blend of commercial acumen and sector insight that keeps Scentia ahead of the curve.
Dr. Christine Brickenstein brings over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in Australia's higher education sector to her role as Chief Education Officer at Scentia. With a PhD in Law and extensive expertise in regulatory compliance, she provides strategic oversight of Scentia's educational portfolio, including the Australian Institute for Management (AIM) Business School and the Australasian College for Health and Wellbeing (ACHW).
Dr. Brickenstein's career spans senior roles at leading institutions including the University of Sydney, where she led curriculum sustainability projects, and guided complex policy submissions. Her unique combination of legal expertise and educational leadership enables effective navigation of TEQSA frameworks, program accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance. She has successfully overseen major strategic initiatives for new student programs, curriculum restructuring projects, and stakeholder engagement across government, industry, and academic sectors.
With over 30 years’ global leadership experience and a strong background in subscription product management, customer experience, and digital transformation, he blends technical expertise with strategic insight to create impactful learning and business solutions.
Trenton is a proven communications professional with expertise in marketing strategy, data analysis, project management, and team leadership who originally joined Scentia in 2018 as the marketing manager for our higher education brands. He has since honed his skills in stakeholder communication, customer experience, and sales support, which has enabled his growth into a well-rounded executive leader with a comprehensive, cross-functional skill set.
Trenton holds a Master of Marketing, providing the foundation of his knowledge and talents. His professional journey in marketing has equipped him with the necessary expertise to lead Scentia’s Marketing function. Trenton leads with warmth and encouragement, empowering the members of his team to share their ideas and strengths, collaborate with purpose, and grow both as individuals and team members. This passion for professional development is ideal for our industry and for Scentia’s success.
Shelley is a seasoned executive with deep expertise in human resources, leadership development, and organisational culture. With a career spanning several sectors, industries and countries, Shelley brings a strategic and people-first approach to building high-performing teams and inclusive workplaces.
Shelley holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master’s in Business Administration. She is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate, a certified member of the Australian Human Resources Institute and a certified coach through the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. Shelley is passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to thrive through thoughtful leadership, continuous learning, kindness and connection.
As Chief Education Officer, Future Skills, Jess Houston is a dynamic education leader with a deep commitment to shaping transformative learning experiences across AIM’s Future Skills portfolio. Jess leads the strategic direction and implementation of a forward-thinking student journey which is engaging, relevant, and designed for real-world success.
With over 15 years of experience in senior finance and operations roles across private education, manufacturing, and financial services, Jess brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational excellence to her work, while her dedication to education ensures that learners are empowered with the skills they need for the future of work. Jess is also an Associate Member of the Future Skills Organization.
Sam brings over 15 years sales and sales leadership experience spanning the technology, professional services, international development and the creative arts sectors. As leader of AIM, AIM Business School and ACHW sales and progression teams, Sam is passionate about the role of training, development and academic study can play in both the lives of individual and the organisations they work for.
Gabrielle is an experienced managing director, advisor and board member with a deep commitment to the enablement of leadership and growth in people and organisations. As Executive Director, Gabrielle leads IECL – the Institute that coaches people and organisations to achieve higher levels of their potential and performance.
Gabrielle joined IECL in 2019 after 10 years with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), most recently as Head of the AICD’s Board Advisory Practice. In addition to her executive roles, from 2009 – 2018 she was Deputy Chair of the National Heart Foundation of Australia (NSW Division) and Chair of the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network Committee.
Gabrielle is a Fellow and graduate of AICD, an IECL Level 2 Certified Coach and holds an MBA from Macquarie University.
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 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.
Dr Christine Brickenstein brings extensive expertise in higher education leadership to her role as Executive Director of ACHW. With a PhD in Law from Macquarie University and more than a decade of experience managing higher education programs, she provides strategic direction and academic oversight to the college. Her background includes managing clinical education at the University of Sydney's medical program, giving her valuable insights into both healthcare education and academic program management. This diverse background in law, education, and healthcare informs her approach to leading ACHW's academic community.
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.
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.
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.
