The board of Business SA has elected Nikki Govan as its Chair, recognising her expertise in running a highly-successful small business and her success in previous roles, including as a former chief executive of SA Great.

As the owner of the popular Star of Greece, Ms Govan represents the face of small business in South Australia, where close to 98 per cent of all businesses are statistically considered small to medium-sized enterprises.

Business SA Chief Executive Nigel McBride said Ms Govan’s appointment reflected how important SMEs were to the state’s economy, and she would bring her extensive experience and understanding of owning and operating a restaurant to the role.

“Nikki is a proven leader in South Australia and will bring her perspective on small business to her new role as chair,” Mr McBride said.

“Nikki knows what it takes to make a business a success, including working long hours when needed, managing staff, employing, training and encouraging trainees, and how to manage a restaurant. She has also run a successful PR and marketing firm. She’s a mother, she’s studying part-time and she’s personable. It seems there’s nothing she can’t do.”

Ms Govan has served on the Business SA board as a director since 2013, and as deputy chair since 2015. She has chaired the Southern Adelaide Economic Development Board since 2017.

As well as her business credentials, Ms Govan has acted as a consultant for both major political parties and served as director and chair on a number of boards across diverse industries. Ms Govan grew up in family business, with her father David Seymour-Smith owning a highly-successful manufacturing business supplying to the horticultural industry.

Mr McBride praised Ms Govan’s thorough and comprehensive knowledge of Business SA, her understanding of its operations and challenges as a not-for-profit, and her ability to work cooperatively with the organisation’s management team.

“Nikki brings fresh ideas and a progressive attitude to her new role at Business SA,” he said.

“She has business links across South Australia and has been pivotal in promoting our state both nationally and internationally. She will be a highly effective chair as Business SA moves forward.”

Taken from Business SA Media Release 23 October 2018