Ms Nicola Pero

Academic qualifications

MBA, Master of Arts Industrial Organisational Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) (MAIOP), Six Sigma Lean and DFFSS, IAP2 Public Participation (IAP2).

Summary of previous experience

Nicola Pero has  developed leadership and board experience globally across several sectors. She resides in Gippsland and holds an executive role with Iberdrola Australia, leading engagement and social license nationally.  She is also an Executive Director for the Australian business.

Before this, Nicola was first a Board Director and then CEO of Food & Fibre Gippsland, leading a thriving organisation that embraces collaboration, collective solutions, innovation and growth development for Gippsland’s $7 billion food and fibre value-chain.  She previously held the role as Deputy Chair of Agribusiness Gippsland and was CEO at Lardner Park for several years. From 2016 to 2024 Nicola held a Board Director role with Destination Gippsland and was appointed to Gippsland Regional Partnerships from 2025 to 2028.

Nicola is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Women on Boards and has been involved in many regional committees, panels, and working groups in both private and public sectors. Her experience spans food and fibre, renewable energy, education, visitor economy, strategic development, and change management.

Passionate about regional growth, prosperity, sustainability and social equity, Nicola views cross-sector collaboration as vital for strengthening regional outcomes. She is committed to education pathways and upskilling opportunities as part of realising these outcomes.