Senior Management

Sally brings over 20 years of experience in funds management and financial planning, including over 10 years at Payton Capital and previous roles at Macquarie Bank and other smaller businesses.

She has worked extensively with investors, financial planners, accountants, and lawyers, helping them achieve their financial goals.

Sally holds a Bachelor of Commerce  (Australian National University) and a Diploma of Financial Planning.

Melinda has over 15 years’ of experience in funds management across retail, wholesale and preferred equity investments, having worked at Owenlaw Trust (acquired by Australian Unity) and Secura Funds + Advanta, managing both the investor and borrower relationships.

Melinda previously worked in architectural consultancy, working on a wide range of high end commercial, residential and institutional developments.

Melinda has extensive experience in relationship management working with individual investors, financial planners and accountancy firms.

Melinda holds a Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne).

Sean brings over 15 years of expertise in funds management to Payton Capital, with expertise in property, IT, venture capital, and private equity. His passion for property and commitment to innovation enable him to create sophisticated, client-focused investment solutions.

His career includes key roles in global markets, startups, and corporate ventures, notably at SEEK Ltd and REA Group, where he excelled in growth, business development, and strategic planning. Sean has a Bachelor of Business and Commerce from Monash University.

Daphne has spent more than 17 years building a career in the financial services sector. With experience in New York, Beijing and Shanghai, Daphne has specialised in building strategic partnerships in Asian markets to raise assets under management and create additional distribution channels.

Prior to joining Payton Capital, Daphne worked at Acorn Capital, Thomson Reuters, and managed her own consultancy, dedicating her expertise to assist fund managers expand their horizons in greater China. Daphne has extensive experience in portfolio management, focused on building strong relationships with investors

Daphne holds a Master of Finance from Pace University – Lubin School of Business.

Chris has extensive experience in the banking and financial services sector having worked for the past 16 years in ultra-high-net worth private banking and wholesale markets. Chris brings with him a strong acumen in relationship management, risk and compliance and stakeholder engagement.

Having worked with major banking institutions and with large family groups, Chris has detailed knowledge and understanding of wholesale investor and debt markets across various asset classes. With previous experience in distribution of private debt opportunities, Chris is well placed to assist high net worth clients.

Chris prides himself on his connection to the community and local market having recently been a board member and treasurer of St John’s Crisis Centre on the Gold Coast after a four-year term. His work continues as a member of the fundraiser sub-committee.

Residing on the Gold Coast, Chris holds a Bachelor of Business, Accounting (James Cook University)

Phil is an experienced financial services professional with a career spanning 30 years. His extensive experience encompasses various roles including support, sales, relationship management and leadership roles across diverse segments such as agribusiness, commercial and corporate, retail and private wealth.

Phil delights in creating those magic moments for clients and is committed to presenting innovative ideas to deliver the best possible outcomes. Phil holds a Master’s level in Business Administration and in Accounting (James Cook University), which enables him to supplement exceptional client focus with technical expertise.

Ava Thomas is a seasoned financial professional with over 12 years of experience in private banking and financial advisory. She began her career at Swedbank, Scandinavia’s largest financial institution, where she gained invaluable expertise working with high net worth individuals.

Upon returning to Australia, Ava further distinguished herself in the high-net-worth sector with roles at NAB and Westpac, where she specialised in advising clients on investment and credit lending structures. Her career also includes significant experience at Bendigo Bank and as a financial planner with the AMP business group.

Ava holds a Bachelor of Business with a major in Finance from Macquarie University, as well as Diplomas in Financial Planning and Foreign Exchange Trading.

Grant has held executive financial services roles across Queensland, with his most recent role as NAB Commercial Real Estate Banking Executive, where he steered the business team through a period marked by substantial growth and success.

Grant’s experience has seen him develop a deep knowledge of property across all major markets and is uniquely placed to support Payton’s growth in the eastern seaboard of Australia.

With a passion for the property sector and commitment to the evolution and growth of Queensland, Grant is eager to leverage his expertise to deliver innovative and customer-focused outcomes.

Grant holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Applied Finance.

Peter has established his career courtesy of a passion for cultivating strong relationships and leading high-performing teams. His leadership journey includes pivotal roles such as Commercial Real Estate Executive at NAB, where he was integral in building Victoria’s commercial real estate sector for the bank.

Prior to this role,  Peter held key positions within NAB as Associate Director for Deal Structuring and Associate Director of Corporate Property, showcasing his expertise in property development financing.’

At Payton, Peter assumes responsibility for leading the Victorian Borrower Services team. His mandate includes driving growth in lending opportunities, spearheading client relationships within the property development sector, and guiding the team towards achieving goals.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Business, Marketing and Finance (RMIT University) and a Graduate Certificate, Business Administration (Charles Sturt University).

With more than 20 years of professional experience, Tom is responsible for loan origination and business development, deal structuring, credit assessment and asset management.

Having begun his career as a Capital Markets lawyer with Allen & Overy LLP, Tom transitioned into CRE Finance through JLL, Lloyds Banking Group, and non-bank Debt Funds in both London and Melbourne.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Economics/Philosophy and a Diploma in Law.

Sam has over 16 years of banking and finance experience having worked for a major bank in corporate finance and business banking. Sam’s experience includes corporate and property lending, deal structuring and he has a passion for relationship management.

Sam has a Master of Finance and a Bachelor of Economics from RMIT University.

Simon has extensive experience in leadership, strategy development & execution, sales, and finance management.

Throughout his career, Simon has led Corporate and Business Banking, Property Finance, and Agribusiness teams at major banks including CBA, Westpac, and most recently, BOQ. Over the past 11 years at BOQ, Simon led the expansion of the Corporate and Commercial Property business into NSW and VIC before returning to Queensland to oversee the same business functions.

Simon will be identifying growth in lending opportunities, building relationships, and driving new business initiatives.

With more than 35 years of professional experience, Brett is responsible for loan origination and business development, deal structuring, credit assessment and asset management.

Having begun his career in retail banking with NAB, Brett transitioned into Investment Banking working in London with UBS and Mizuho, before returning to Australia and fulfilling CRE Finance positions at NAB and Lloyds Bank.

Brett has also spent a number of years in property insolvency roles and more recently as a commercial broker specializing in construction finance. Brett holds an Associate Diploma in Business.

Gary Parkin brings a wealth of experience to Payton, drawing from a distinguished 17-year career at NAB. Starting on the Graduate Program, he advanced through various Business Banking roles on the Gold Coast. Most recently, Gary served as Region Manager for NAB Business Banking on the Gold Coast and assisted in establishing the NAB Gold Coast CRE business.

Gary has demonstrated his leadership and expertise by leading exceptional teams in operational and lending capacities, showcasing his ability to drive results and foster high-performance environments.

As a Senior Property Finance Professional, Gary has extensive experience in helping property investors acquire and manage major commercial assets, as well as supporting developers with project-specific funding. Specializing in property transactions up to $200 million, he has overseen numerous successful projects across South East Queensland.

Now a part of our Queensland Borrower Services Team, Gary is responsible for managing our Gold Coast and Northern NSW exposures down to Coffs Harbour

Gary holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Griffith University and a Bachelor of Applied Science, Human Biology.

Hamish brings over 30 years of experience in property finance and funds management. He has extensive experience in structuring and risk management of property development finance.

Prior to joining Payton Capital, Hamish was Head of Credit at Gemi Investments. Hamish also established and managed the Indigenous Real Estate Investment Trust for Indigenous Business Australia.

Hamish has also held various roles overseeing loan portfolios at major institutions, including Westpac, ANZ, non-bank lender Ashe Morgan, NAB, and Monte Paschi Australia.

Larry graduated from Monash University with master degree of professional Accounting. He has over 15 years’ experience in accounting and finance area.

As a CPA qualified accountant, Larry is specialised in mortgage funds management including unit registration, fund accounting, investment administration, fund valuation, income calculation and distribution.

Larry also has extensive experience in general accounting, management accounting and financial reporting.

Matt has worked in the property industry for over a decade, with capability across all major asset classes.

Matt’s extensive knowledge of property comes from his experience as a commercial valuer and time spent managing acquisitions and investments for private equity and developers.

Jodie is a seasoned professional with a long and successful history in the financial services industry. With her expertise in event management, corporate communications, marketing, and portfolio management, Jodie has demonstrated her ability to innovate and consolidate her assets to achieve outstanding results.

A strong marketing professional, Jodie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from RMIT University. This academic foundation, combined with her hands-on experience, has equipped Jodie with a unique skill set that allows her to excel in the fast-paced and constantly evolving financial services industry.

Whether she is managing complex projects, developing marketing strategies, or communicating with stakeholders, Jodie always brings her passion, dedication, and professionalism to the table. Her track record of success speaks for itself, and she is widely recognized as a leading figure in her field.

Linda has over 30 years’ experience in governance, compliance, and risk management disciplines in financial services, including funds management, custody and investment banking having previously worked at Australian Unity, Chimaera Financial Group, NAB and Heine Management Ltd, and health services at Bupa.

Linda has held senior positions in compliance and risk management. Linda is passionate about building best practice risk and compliance and guiding people in organisations to see the value it brings.

As Risk & Compliance Manager Linda is responsible for managing the risk and compliance function across the Payton Group.

Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment.