New CEO of Lardner Park Events
A staunch supporter of equal opportunity for all, Nicola Pero has forged a career in areas often viewed historically as challenging for women to lead.
With a number of years conducting business in the Middle East, Nicola was one of the first western female CEOs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Undertaking a range of public speaking roles, Nicola particularly focused on motivational presentations to Arab women on their transition from university education into business roles while still respecting local cultural expectations of marriage and family.
In her early career Nicola held senior roles delivering some of Australia’s top motorsport events including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Gold Coast IndyCar. Her business leadership has been delivered in Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, USA and Canada. Recently returning to Victoria, which she considers home, follows almost two years in Queensland driving strategic and commercial outcomes for Local Government. Nicola was responsible for overseeing a wide range of venues including aerodromes, saleyards, aquatic and event centres, and showgrounds.
Stating her commitment and faith in the successful journey for women in business, Nicola highlighted, “though the business environment continues to evolve positively, women are often faced with still having to prove themselves just a little more than male counterparts. So we stretch a little further and do just that – prove ourselves! We need to be proactive mentors for young women today by sharing these journeys.”
Nicola is committed to the promotion of women in business and support that can be provided in early education and community facilitation, “I look forward to my future role as the new CEO at Lardner Park and how we can expand on conferences and events that support female entrepreneurialism and women in our business communities" said Nicola.