Smartgroup Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Smartgroup has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, risk, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to enhancing employee value, Smartgroup empowers Australian organisations to leverage tax-effective benefits, thereby increasing disposable income for staff and reducing employer administrative burdens through specialized salary packaging and fleet management solutions.

Leadership Roles at Smartgroup

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Scott Wharton
  • Chief of Staff - Richard Jackson
  • Chief Information Officer - Alfonzo Venturi
  • Executive. Chief Risk Officer (Chief Revenue Officer). Financial Services. Risk Transformation Specialist. Strategic Project Delivery. Commercial Leadership. Collaborative Business Partnering. People & Amp. Thought Leader - Bijal Desai GAICD
  • Chief People Officer - Amber Kristof
  • Scott Wharton - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Scott Wharton, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at Smartgroup, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Wharton guides the company's expansion within the Australian market, focusing on enhancing employee value through tax-effective benefits and fleet management solutions. This leadership involves aligning departmental objectives with the company's mission to increase staff disposable income and reduce employer administrative burdens. Wharton ensures the integration of novated leasing and outsourced administrative services, driving cost transparency and streamlined procurement. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director oversees the development of cloud-based reporting systems, reinforcing Smartgroup's commitment to attracting and retaining talent without increasing internal budgets. Scott Wharton's strategic direction is pivotal in maintaining Smartgroup's position as a leading provider of salary packaging and fleet management services.

    Richard Jackson - Chief of Staff

    Richard Jackson, the Chief of Staff at Smartgroup, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Jackson supports the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director in executing the company's vision for enhancing employee value through tax-effective benefits and fleet management. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects, ensuring seamless collaboration between departments such as sales, operations, and technology. Richard Jackson oversees the implementation of outsourced administrative solutions and the refinement of novated leasing processes, contributing to increased disposable income for staff and reduced employer burdens. The Chief of Staff ensures that Smartgroup's focus on cost transparency and streamlined procurement remains central to its service delivery. By managing key organizational processes, Jackson supports the attraction and retention of talent for client organizations without increasing their internal budgets. Richard Jackson's efforts are critical in maintaining operational momentum and strategic alignment.

    Alfonzo Venturi - Chief Information Officer

    Alfonzo Venturi, the Chief Information Officer at Smartgroup, architects and directs the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation efforts. Venturi oversees the development and maintenance of cloud-based reporting systems and digital platforms that support Smartgroup's core offerings in salary packaging and fleet management. This leadership ensures the technological backbone effectively enables staff to increase disposable income and reduces the operational burden on employers through outsourced administrative solutions. Alfonzo Venturi drives innovation in technology to enhance cost transparency and streamline procurement processes for clients. The Chief Information Officer's focus on scalable and secure IT solutions is crucial for attracting and retaining talent for client organizations by providing efficient, modern tools. Venturi ensures that technology investments directly support Smartgroup's business objectives and market competitiveness. Alfonzo Venturi's expertise is fundamental to Smartgroup's ability to deliver advanced, reliable services.

    Bijal Desai GAICD - Executive. Chief Risk Officer (Chief Revenue Officer). Financial Services. Risk Transformation Specialist. Strategic Project Delivery. Commercial Leadership. Collaborative Business Partnering. People & Amp. Thought Leader

    Bijal Desai GAICD, the Executive. Chief Risk Officer (Chief Revenue Officer). Financial Services. Risk Transformation Specialist. Strategic Project Delivery. Commercial Leadership. Collaborative Business Partnering. People & Amp. Thought Leader at Smartgroup, spearheads the company's financial services strategy and risk management framework. Desai GAICD is responsible for driving revenue growth through strategic commercial leadership and ensuring robust risk mitigation across all operations, including salary packaging and fleet management. This executive oversees the transformation of risk management practices, enhancing cost transparency and streamlining procurement to support Smartgroup's value proposition for Australian organisations. Bijal Desai GAICD's role involves fostering collaborative business partnerships and leading strategic projects that enhance employee value by increasing disposable income and reducing employer burdens. The focus on risk transformation and commercial leadership ensures Smartgroup's sustainable growth and market position. Bijal Desai GAICD's expertise is vital for navigating the complexities of the financial services sector and delivering exceptional outcomes.

    Amber Kristof - Chief People Officer

    Amber Kristof, the Chief People Officer at Smartgroup, leads the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives. Kristof focuses on cultivating a high-performance culture that supports Smartgroup's mission to enhance employee value through tax-effective benefits and fleet management. This leadership role involves developing programs that attract, retain, and develop talent, ensuring the company's workforce is equipped to deliver exceptional service in salary packaging and outsourced administrative solutions. Amber Kristof oversees initiatives aimed at increasing staff disposable income and reducing employer operational burdens by fostering an environment where people thrive. The Chief People Officer champions collaborative business partnering and people-centric strategies, aligning human capital with the company's commercial objectives. Kristof ensures that Smartgroup's internal operations reflect the value proposition offered to clients, reinforcing the company's commitment to streamlined procurement and cost transparency. Amber Kristof's dedication to people development is integral to Smartgroup's success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Smartgroup Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Smartgroup?
    Smartgroup is led by Scott Wharton (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director), along with executives such as Richard Jackson (Chief of Staff) and Alfonzo Venturi (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Smartgroup’s executive team?
    The executive team of Smartgroup includes leaders such as Scott Wharton (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director), Richard Jackson (Chief of Staff), Alfonzo Venturi (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Smartgroup have?
    Smartgroup has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Smartgroup’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Smartgroup includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Executive. Chief Risk Officer (Chief Revenue Officer). Financial Services. Risk Transformation Specialist. Strategic Project Delivery. Commercial Leadership. Collaborative Business Partnering. People & Amp. Thought Leader, Chief People Officer.