Our Executive Team

Julian Barson

Managing Director (B.Elec Eng)

After graduating, Julian worked as a Research Engineer with Repco, rising through the ranks as Chief Engineer then as General Manager to one of Repco's divisions. Prior to joining APS, Julian was Chairman and Managing Director of an Australian public company.

He joined APS in 1994, responsible for the implementation and accreditation of our Quality Management System under ISO 9002 and for the implementation of the Management Information System, which links all APS offices. Julian introduced Executive Recruitment into APS.

Julian is currently the Chairman of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILTA) - Victorian Section and also serves as an Executive Member of the National Executive Committee of CILTA. He was also a member of a Strategic Logistics Group that met in Canberra with John Anderson, Minister for Transport, to produce the Transport and Logistics Industry Action Agenda.

Jill Clementson

Director

Jill first entered the Recruitment Industry as a consultant in April 1987 and after two and a half years she was elevated to Manager of the Footscray office. In the grip of "the recession we had to have", Jill took the branch from a solely commercial operation to a branch which covered both the commercial and industrial sectors of the industrial west. This was the first office within the company to deal in the Industrial arena. Very quickly this office shot to be the top performer in a group of 68 branches Australia wide and stayed there until the company was taken over.

In 1993, after 6 years with the one organisation, Jill chose to start her own company JJ Resources which is now known as APS. Within the first year of business she grossed over $1.5 million in billings and had established a second office. Jill has been involved in APS since its creation and is an active member of the Executive Management team of the business.

Lisa Richardson

Group CEO

Lisa joined APS in 2000 as a Recruitment Consultant in the After Hours Branch, throughout her career at APS Group she has moved through a variety of roles, including Branch Manager, State Manager - Victoria, General Manager - National Operations, to her current role as Chief Executive Officer.

Lisa is an executive professional with solid business acumen and proven strategic planning capabilities. Lisa is responsible for managing all facets of the APS business, with more than 16 years experience in the Recruitment Industry, working in a variety of vertical markets - Industrial, Transport, Commercial, Executive and Retail.

Lisa is an established leader with a strategic vision to achieve business goals in line with company growth.  She has been involved in many major projects, delivering consistent outcomes. Her reputation for judicious use of resources, resulting in cost containment, whilst implementing solutions that deliver effective outcomes is one of her strengths.

With a commitment to people, Lisa recognises that investing in your people is key to achieving the goals we set for the business.  We recognise good character will yield good outcomes for all stakeholders and Lisa has been a strong supporter and driver of the Character First! principles at APS.

Dylan Evans

Chief Financial Officer (BCom, BA, CPA)

Dylan has over 14 years of direct experience in recruitment and talent acquisition, and over 21 years of experience in finance, accounting, and management. Having sat on the Executive team at APS for the past 12 years, Dylan has proven business acumen in the recruitment industry, with knowledge of systems and processes required to run a large national recruitment agency.

His portfolio includes finance, payroll, and data management, and is a key player in developing and guiding the group's road map through strategic planning and financial modelling. Dylan was instrumental in the acquisition of APS Group's RTO - Calibre Training & Development, he managed the acquisition and was in the position of CEO for the first 3 years, post-acquisition.

Dylan is a strong believer in a people first culture and has an excellent record in staff retention. Dylan always looks to promote whilst managing an environment that is built on development and mentoring of staff with transferable skills as an asset to the business. Dylan is also driving the technology enhancements and automation processes within APS, he is managing the 360° automation of all systems and a fully cloud-based network.

Dylan has a double degree in Commerce/Arts, a Diploma of Management and is a professional member of CPA Australia.

Sami Maher

National Operations Manager

Originally joining APS in 2005 as a Recruitment Consultant throughout the years Sami has successfully progressed from Senior Recruitment Consultant, Account Manager, Yarraville Branch Manager, State Manager Victoria and is currently the National Operations Manager.

With a Bachelor of Business Management majoring in Human Resources, certificates in Training & Assessment, Warehousing and Logistics and OH&S, as well as a Diploma in Management, Sami has complemented his knowledge with the practical operational and management skills.

Sami is an accomplished business executive with demonstrated success in recruitment, training and operations management.  He has proven expertise and strong ability to improve processes to maximise productivity and introduce system efficiencies. Sami is an effective leader with focus on resource management, strategic planning, financial reporting, providing innovative concepts, quality control and continuous improvement. He also has the ability to utilise a range of communication tools and strategies to coach, mentor and develop successful, goal-oriented managers and teams.

Sami is responsible for ensuring that all operational areas meet document service delivery to all clients nationally. He is also responsible for the customer relationship management of all APS operational divisions and achieves this through working closely with key stakeholders and clients. As part of the APS quality review process, Sami conducts performance reviews with clients on a structured and agreed basis.

Rob Volarich

General Manager - Employee Relations

Rob Volarich has over 30 years of Operational and HR experience across several industries, including Steel, Manufacturing, Mining, Transport and Logistics. Rob has been responsible for implementing the internal recruitment functions at a major mining company and for Australia's largest privately-owned logistics company. He has extensive workforce planning and contingent labour management experience.

Rob has led many large scale contract implementations. The largest of these being a Warehouse and Distribution contract for the Defence Department. The scope included employing 600 new staff across 20 sites in 6 states and a territory whlst encompassing very time timelines. The project was completed in full, on time and on budget.

Rob undertakes the strategic development of complex projects and leads HR policy development and reviews. He provides advice and consultancy services to support the effective management of concerns relating to employee relations matters.