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 globally developed leadership and board experience across several sectors. She resides in Gippsland and holds an executive role with Iberdrola Australia, leading engagement and social license nationally and is co-leading their offshore wind division.

Prior to this Nicola was the CEO for Food & Fibre Gippsland, leading a successful organisation that embraces collaboration, collective solutions, innovation and opportunity development for Gippsland’s $7 billion food and fibre value-chain. Before this Nicola was the CEO at Lardner Park and has been a Board Director with Destination Gippsland for several years. She previously held the role as Deputy Chair of Agribusiness Gippsland.

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. Nicola’s 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 a stronger circular economy and regional outcomes. Nicola is committed to the creation of more upskilling opportunities in regional communities and the importance of education and higher education in driving those increased opportunities.