Maria Zappala is a seasoned business executive with extensive operational and corporate leadership experience in large, complex global and national businesses. In addition, Maria has served on a number of commercial and not for profit boards.

Her expertise spans AI, innovation and future-focused business solutions, strategy, governance, operational performance improvement and culture change. Maria has a strong track record of guiding organisations and their leaders to deliver strategy, tackle complex challenges, meet ambitious goals, and sustainably improve productivity and profitability.

Maria's experience is predominantly in the Resources Industry (smelting and mining), working with two of the Top 5 global mining giants, Rio Tinto and Anglo American. This afforded Maria the opportunity to work globally in Canada, South Africa, Brazil and Australia; building on 2 years working for the Japanese Ministry of Education in Japan, before joining the Resources Industry. Maria embraced the learning opportunity working with and leading culturally diverse teams, creating environments of respect and empowerment.

More recently, Maria has gained significant experience in the Rail Industry: from leading the Risk and Governance function for Australia’s largest rail freight business to serving as an Advisor to the Board and then Operational VP for a privately owned rail freight haulage company. She also worked for Queensland Rail as Commercial General Manager, accountable for finance functions and development of strategic business plans as well as freight operations, large commercial contracts, and building effective partnerships with customers, regulators and within the government.

Maria is committed to continuous learning and has funded her own professional development at renowned institutions including Harvard Business School, Saïd Business School at Oxford University, Berkeley Haas, INSEAD, and MIT.