Smartgroup Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Smartgroup has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, risk management, revenue growth, business administration, 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
  • Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer - Benjamin Lee
  • Chief Information Officer - Alfonzo Venturi
  • Chief of Staff - Richard Jackson
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive - Bijal Desai
  • 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 long-term vision for the organization. Wharton oversees the alignment of salary packaging and fleet management services with the evolving needs of the Australian market. By managing relationships with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director ensures operational excellence across all business units. This leadership role involves driving sustainable growth through the expansion of novated leasing and outsourced administrative solutions. Scott Wharton maintains a focus on cost transparency and procurement efficiency to help clients attract and retain talent. Through the implementation of high-level strategic initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director secures the company's position as a leader in employee benefits. Wharton prioritizes the delivery of value to shareholders while maintaining a commitment to the core mission of reducing operational burdens for employers.

    Benjamin Lee - Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer

    Benjamin Lee, the Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer at Smartgroup, manages the operational alignment between the executive office and the core business functions. Lee oversees the coordination of high-priority tasks, ensuring that the strategic directives of the Chief Executive Officer are implemented across all departments. By facilitating communication and project tracking, the Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer supports the efficiency of the leadership team. Benjamin Lee monitors the performance of salary packaging and fleet management initiatives, providing data-backed recommendations to improve service delivery. This role involves managing complex administrative workflows and ensuring that the company's resources are focused on key growth areas. Through the oversight of daily operations, the Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer drives the execution of the company's mission, ensuring that all business activities contribute to the overall success of the organization.

    Alfonzo Venturi - Chief Information Officer

    Alfonzo Venturi, the Chief Information Officer at Smartgroup, architects the digital infrastructure and cloud-based reporting systems that support the company's service delivery. Venturi oversees the technological roadmap, ensuring that all salary packaging and fleet management platforms remain secure, scalable, and efficient. By integrating advanced data analytics, the Chief Information Officer optimizes the procurement processes that define the firm's market impact. Alfonzo Venturi manages the internal IT teams to ensure seamless connectivity between client-facing portals and backend administrative systems. This role involves mitigating cybersecurity risks while fostering innovation in digital benefit management. Through the deployment of robust software solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the user experience for employees across Australia. Venturi drives the digital transformation agenda, ensuring that the company maintains a competitive edge through superior technological capabilities and data-driven insights that simplify complex financial transactions for every client.

    Richard Jackson - Chief of Staff

    Richard Jackson, the Chief of Staff at Smartgroup, coordinates cross-functional initiatives and facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and the broader organization. Jackson oversees the execution of strategic projects, ensuring that operational goals align with the company's mission of providing tax-effective benefits. By managing the flow of information and prioritizing key business objectives, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on high-impact decision-making. Richard Jackson monitors the progress of various administrative solutions, ensuring that internal processes remain streamlined and effective. This role involves fostering collaboration across departments to support the delivery of novated leasing and fleet management services. Through the oversight of organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff drives efficiency and accountability. Jackson maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the company's resources are utilized effectively to support the growth of the business and the satisfaction of the client base.

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

    Bijal Desai, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive at Smartgroup, manages the dual mandate of revenue generation and risk mitigation. Desai oversees the financial health of the organization, ensuring that growth strategies remain within the established risk appetite. By driving revenue through the expansion of salary packaging services, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive secures the company's financial stability. Bijal Desai monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for commercial growth while implementing robust risk management frameworks. This role involves balancing the pursuit of aggressive sales targets with the necessity of maintaining compliance and operational integrity. Through the optimization of revenue streams, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive supports the company's ability to provide value to Australian employers. Desai ensures that all commercial activities align with the long-term objectives of the firm, fostering sustainable growth and market leadership.

    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, leads the transformation of risk management processes to support complex financial services. Desai GAICD oversees the delivery of strategic projects that enhance the company's commercial capabilities and market reach. By fostering collaborative business partnerships, 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 ensures that risk mitigation strategies are integrated into every aspect of the business. Bijal Desai GAICD drives the implementation of new frameworks that improve operational efficiency and service quality. This role involves providing thought leadership on industry trends and regulatory requirements. Through the application of specialized expertise, 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 secures the company's reputation for excellence and reliability in the Australian market.

    Amber Kristof - Chief People Officer

    Amber Kristof, the Chief People Officer at Smartgroup, directs the human resources strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, retention, and organizational culture. Kristof oversees the development of programs that empower employees to deliver high-quality salary packaging and fleet management services. By fostering an environment of professional growth, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts the best talent in the Australian market. Amber Kristof manages the implementation of performance management systems and employee engagement initiatives that align with the company's core mission. This role involves working closely with other C-suite leaders to ensure that the workforce is equipped to meet the evolving needs of clients. Through the cultivation of a high-performance culture, the Chief People Officer drives organizational success and operational efficiency. Kristof maintains a focus on building a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that the company's human capital remains a key driver of its competitive advantage and long-term growth.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Car & Truck Rental

    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 Benjamin Lee (Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer) 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), Benjamin Lee (Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer), Alfonzo Venturi (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Smartgroup have?
    Smartgroup has 7 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, Senior Business Manager & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Executive.