Our people

Ian Lowe has broad cross media and marketing experience, accumulated over 20 years of working in and managing media and media related organisations, including George Patterson Bates, Thompson Media, and PMP Limited (ASX:PMP).

Prior to joining Facilitate Digital in 2002, Ian held executive management positions in various technology and media technology companies, including Managing Director of Red Sheriff Ltd and CEO of Traffion Pty Ltd. During Ian’s tenure Red Sheriff grew from a staff of 10 to become a global leader in web analytics and market intelligence, with more than 1000 clients in 52 countries.

Leveraging his extensive business and media experience, Ian has developed and managed small, medium and large enterprises through periods of significant growth, developing and executing global business, product and distribution strategies in industries as diverse as publishing, distribution, IT and digital communications. Ian holds an ASCM performance diploma from the NSW Conservatorium of Music.

Ben’s career in the advertising industry goes back over 15 years and includes roles at several large multinational agency groups including DDB and Mojo. He has wide experience across both the media buying and account management fields having held senior positions directing accounts for advertisers such as Telstra and Kraft Foods. In particular Ben was responsible for the development and implementation of eCommerce and online strategies across a number of advertisers.

In late 1999 Ben conceptualised and then co-founded Facilitate Digital Pty Ltd, assuming the role of General Manager. In the subsequent 3 years Ben played an integral role in steering the business through an industry collapse to a position of strength. Ben assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2003.

Stuart Simson has more than 40 years experience in the Australian media and marketing industries. He is a former Managing Director of The Age and Sunday Age and Editor and CEO of BRW Publications. He is also former chairman of leading online media agency, emitch Limited.

Today, Stuart owns an advertising  agency, Optimo Designs, and is Chairman and shareholder of online media agency, Switch Digital.

Stuart served as Associate Commissioner on the Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Broadcasting Services Act, and is a Council member of Leadership Victoria and a member of the CSIRO’s ICT sector advisory council.

Charles Sweeney has been involved with Facilitate Digital since its inception as a non-executive Director. Charles is a Partner at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers where he practices in Corporate Law and IP/IT. Charles is an experienced company Director, member of the AICD, a member of the Company Law Committee of the Queensland Law Society and is a frequent presenter on such topics as Corporate Governance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets and IP/IT law.

Geoff Dixon is one of Australia’s most experienced and successful corporate executives. He is the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Qantas Airways Limited and has wide experience at board level in the media, general business and philanthropic sectors. He is a director of Crown Limited and Consolidated Media Holdings Limited. He is also Chairman of the Garvan Research Foundation, and Chairman of Tourism Australia..

James Story was appointed as company secretary in July 2008. He has over 30 years’ experience in corporate and commercial law. For much of his career, he has worked as company secretary of a number of ASX listed entities. These include Data Advantage Limited (renamed Baycorp Advantage Limited), Namoi Cotton Co-Operative Limited, Aztec Mining Limited and Nicron Resources Limited. He was also the company secretary of Elders Resources Finance Limited, a joint venture which was part of the Elders IXL Group.

In addition, Mr Story has held a number of senior legal and administrative roles in-house. His career began at the NSW Corporate Affairs Commission (which is now known as ASIC).