David Parsons
MBA
General Manager, Victoria
David joined First State Group in April 2007. David’s property development experience spans 20 years and encapsulates the entire development process including development strategy, land acquisition, planning, budget management, strategic marketing, media/issues management and sales. This practical application of development is coupled with an MBA from Melbourne University that was completed in 1996. Prior to his appointment as General Manager for Victoria, David was the State Manager for Urban Pacific Limited, the development arm of Macquarie Bank. David has also held senior appointments with various Victorian property groups including Becton Limited as Development Manager, Lustig and Moar Group as General Manager, and Bayley Stuart Pty Ltd as Founding Partner.
David Hibbins
B. Bus (Acc) Dip Bus (Acc) MNIA ATIA
Financial Controller
David originally joined First State Group in 1992 as Financial Controller. Prior to this he held senior positions in accounting firms and served as Chief Accountant to a large advertising agency in Queensland. David began his career as a Royal Australian Army solider before being appointed to the Royal Military College Duntroon where he gained the skills to serve as an officer in the Infantry Corps.
Grahame Bell
National Design & Construction Manager
Grahame joined First State Group in 1992. During his building career, spanning more than three decades, he has had responsibility for projects totalling well over $400m. Having completed a carpentry apprenticeship, Grahame was site manager with Furman Constructions. He then worked as projects manager for Gordon Pacific, John Holland Interiors and Tilley Developments. Grahame’s experience ranges widely, across residential, industrial and commercial office buildings and the redevelopment of the Melbourne Domestic Airport Terminal.
Jon Smeulders
BEcon
State Manager, WA
Jon joined First State Group in January 2008 as State Manager - WA, responsible for the daily management of our Western Australian operations. Jon's most recent experience includes 7 years with Multiplex in a variety of roles including Senior Development Manager (Commercial), Senior Development Manager (Apartments), and WA General Manager of Multiplex Asset Management. Prior to his time at Multiplex, Jon was a Director of the Perth office of Knight Frank, where he was employed for almost 10 years, and worked in the areas of retail and commercial investment property management, facilities management, and retail leasing. Jon holds a Bachelor of Economics.