Smartgroup Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Smartgroup has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, risk, revenue, and human resources.

Focused on enhancing employee value through tax-effective benefits, Smartgroup delivers specialized salary packaging and fleet management solutions to Australian organizations while streamlining administrative burdens for employers.

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 Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive - Bijal Desai
  • 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 long-term growth initiatives. Wharton oversees the expansion of novated leasing services across the Australian market, ensuring alignment between operational output and client expectations. By managing relationships with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director maintains focus on delivering sustainable value to shareholders. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to optimize salary packaging offerings. Scott Wharton drives the company mission by fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence. Through rigorous oversight of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director identifies new opportunities for service diversification. Wharton ensures that all business units operate with high efficiency, ultimately strengthening the market position of the organization as a premier provider of outsourced administrative solutions and fleet management services.

    Richard Jackson - Chief of Staff

    Richard Jackson, the Chief of Staff at Smartgroup, coordinates cross-functional initiatives to ensure seamless execution of corporate objectives. Jackson manages the flow of information between executive leadership and operational teams, facilitating rapid decision-making processes. By streamlining internal communication, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational agility and project delivery timelines. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators to track progress against strategic goals. Richard Jackson drives efficiency by identifying bottlenecks in administrative workflows and implementing scalable solutions. The Chief of Staff supports the executive team in managing high-priority projects that impact the broader fleet management and salary packaging portfolio. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, Jackson ensures that departmental efforts remain synchronized with the core mission of the company. The Chief of Staff maintains a focus on operational transparency, enabling the organization to deliver consistent value to clients across the Australian landscape.

    Alfonzo Venturi - Chief Information Officer

    Alfonzo Venturi, the Chief Information Officer at Smartgroup, architects the digital infrastructure required to support cloud-based reporting and automated procurement systems. Venturi oversees the development of secure platforms that enable seamless salary packaging and fleet management for diverse clients. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer drives technological innovation to improve user experience and data accuracy. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive client information across all digital channels. Alfonzo Venturi ensures that the IT department provides robust support for the company's expanding service portfolio. Through the implementation of advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer enables data-driven decision-making across the organization. Venturi maintains a focus on scalability, ensuring that the technical framework supports long-term growth objectives. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other leaders to integrate new software solutions that reduce the operational burden on employers while maximizing employee benefits.

    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, manages the intersection of risk mitigation and revenue generation. Desai GAICD oversees the transformation of risk frameworks to ensure compliance within the financial services sector. By driving strategic project delivery, 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 optimizes commercial outcomes while maintaining rigorous safety standards. This role involves fostering collaborative partnerships to enhance service delivery across the Australian market. Bijal Desai GAICD ensures that revenue growth remains sustainable through disciplined risk management practices. 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 provides thought leadership on complex financial structures, enabling the company to navigate market volatility effectively while supporting long-term client retention.

    Bijal Desai - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive

    Bijal Desai, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive at Smartgroup, focuses on the optimization of revenue streams through disciplined financial oversight and market expansion. Desai oversees the development of commercial strategies that align with the company's core salary packaging and fleet management offerings. By managing the balance between risk exposure and growth, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive ensures the long-term financial health of the organization. This role involves leading cross-departmental teams to execute revenue-generating projects that provide tangible value to employers. Bijal Desai drives the implementation of robust financial controls to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive collaborates with the broader leadership team to refine service delivery models. Through strategic market analysis, Desai identifies new avenues for revenue growth, ensuring that the company remains a competitive force in the Australian benefits and administrative services industry.

    Amber Kristof - Chief People Officer

    Amber Kristof, the Chief People Officer at Smartgroup, directs the human capital strategy to attract and retain top talent within the organization. Kristof oversees the development of programs that enhance employee engagement and professional growth, ensuring alignment with the company's mission. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and high performance, the Chief People Officer drives organizational success through effective workforce management. This role involves designing compensation and benefits structures that mirror the value provided to external clients. Amber Kristof manages talent acquisition initiatives to support the scaling of operations across the Australian market. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to ensure that internal policies support the company's strategic objectives. Through the implementation of modern HR technologies, Kristof streamlines administrative processes for staff. The Chief People Officer maintains a focus on leadership development, ensuring that the organization possesses the internal capability to meet evolving client needs in the salary packaging and fleet management sectors.

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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 6 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 Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive.