Management Team

Renee is a Company Director and executive level leader, with over 25 years marketing, research and strategic communication experience across a range of industries from the arts and sport, to financial services. Recognised as a strategic, empowering and transformational leader.

John joined illion as Chief Executive Officer in January 2022. He is a proud Kiwi, having kickstarted a successful career with American Express in New Zealand more than 30 years ago. Prior to illion, John led BPAY Group’s journey to being recognised as one of Australia’s Most Innovative Companies by the AFR - and Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work. Before joining BPAY Group, he was the Senior Vice President and General Manager at Transaction Network Services, and spent 24-years in various senior roles at American Express. John provides the vision and oversight that are an essential part of innovation and expansion, while fostering partnerships with major financial service providers and key organisations across Australasia.  

Jesse completed science and business administration degrees at the University of Vermont and migrated to Australia shortly afterwards. Prior to joining illion, Jesse held senior technology leadership roles in large financial services organisations such as Veda, Insurance Australia Group and TOWER Australia Limited (TAL). He is passionate about launching new technology products, establishing strategic customer relationships and building collaborative partnerships across all supply chains.

As Chief Project Delivery & Operations Officer, Merin is responsible for connecting the commercial strategy of the business with delivery and operational excellence and execution.  She applies her inclusive and collaborative leadership style to continuously evolve the capability of illion in providing value to our clients today and into the future.   Merin has a strong track record of improving organisational effectiveness holding senior leadership roles over the past 15 years, fostering adaptive environments that empower teams to identify new ways of working and delivering quality outcomes for clients.

Lucy Lithgow provides strategic people and culture leadership at illion. With over 20 years’ human resources experience across the financial services, retail and government sectors, Lucy applies her consultative leadership style to make a difference. She works with stakeholders to foster a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive. She has a Master of Industrial Relations from Charles Sturt University, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Sydney, and a Bachelor of Performing Arts from the Victorian College of the Arts.

Milena is a financial services executive who brings a wealth of knowledge and holds over 20 years’ experience growing businesses, mitigating risks, developing and rationalising products, improving customer experience, commercialising data and analytics solutions, and leading diverse teams across Australia and New Zealand. She has a deep understanding of the banking and insurance industry, intimate knowledge of client needs, our regulatory environment, an extensive professional network and connections across the data and financial services sectors in the ANZ region.

Nicholas (Nick) is Chief Data & Analytics Officer at illion, where he has worked in a variety of data-focused roles for more than ten years. An American by birth, he completed a science degree and business administration double degrees in International Business and Economics at the University of Denver. Prior to moving to Australia, Nick spent three-years working in Kyushu, Japan for the Japanese government at an English language high school. He leads a passionate and savvy team of data scientists and analysts who manage the data, analytics and insights functions at illion.

Mark is a passionate client advocate and team developer with over 25 years’ experience working in senior sales and operations leadership roles at illion, Experian and Dun & Bradstreet. As Chief Client Officer, Mark is responsible for all sales, solutions, performance and enablement teams at illion in Australia, New Zealand, UK and US. He ensures illion works closely with its clients to support their business strategies.

Nathan has been Chief Legal Officer at illion since November 2020. He started his career as a professional musician before completing a law degree with first class honours at the University of Technology in Sydney. Prior to working at illion, Nathan was Group General Counsel and Company Secretary for Hudson, and held a similar role with Macquarie Telcom Group. He was also a senior associate with law firms Allens and Herbert Geer (now Thomson Geer).