Meet the team
Our team is passionate, dedicated and excited to bring our vision into the world.
Clive Kay
Managing Director & General Manager
Steve Toomey
Investments & Strategy Director
Richard Green
Executive Director
David Nichols
Director of Compliance and Risk
Guy Hamilton
Investment Committee Chair
Sharif Sethi
Credit & Lending Operations
Dr Chris Booth
Advisor
Jesse Lee
Associate Director
Cissy Ma
Advisor
Andre Allavena
Software Architect
Brett Hales
Director
James Pound
Real Estate Executive Director
Peter Nimmo
Advisor
Chris Booth
Dr. Chris Booth is a distinguished investment specialist with a robust background in European family office investment management, with a focus on the Benelux region. Leveraging his extensive expertise in biosciences, Dr. Booth excels in identifying and capitalizing on high-growth opportunities within the sector. His experience spans comprehensive investment analysis and strategic oversight, underscoring his role as a pivotal advisor in the investment community.
Dr. Booth’s deep understanding of both the financial and biosciences landscapes equips him to deliver exceptional value and insights to his clients. His strategic acumen and analytical prowess underscore his commitment to driving investment excellence and innovation.
James Pound
Real Estate Executive Director
James Pound is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in real estate credit, having honed his expertise at Tier-1 Investment Banks and distinguished himself in the field. His career includes pivotal roles at Westpac and ANZ, where he focused on commercial real estate credit and developed a reputation for strategic insight and operational excellence. James has a proven track record in analyzing and managing real estate credit portfolios, leveraging his deep industry knowledge to drive value and mitigate risk. His extensive experience in the sector underscores his capability in navigating complex credit landscapes and contributing to successful investment strategies.
James Pound’s career reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of real estate finance.
John O'Brien
Head of Securitisation and Credit Risk
John O’Brien is a seasoned Structured Credit Director with 20 years of extensive experience in securitization and treasury. His distinguished career includes notable roles such as Director of Research and Ratings at Standard & Poor’s, and key positions at Hypovereinsbank and Patrizia AG in Germany, as well as Director of Securitization at ANZ.
John’s deep expertise encompasses securitization, Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs), and the management of Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) and Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) structures. His career spans influential markets in New York and Australia, showcasing his ability to navigate complex credit environments with strategic acumen. John O’Brien’s leadership and comprehensive knowledge of structured finance underscore his role as a pivotal figure in shaping and advancing Gallantree's credit strategies.
Sharif Sethi
Credit & Investment Operations Manager
Sharif Sethi is a seasoned financial professional with over 20 years of experience spanning investment banking, credit program development, compliance, and risk management. As the head of his own Family Office, Sharif excels in early-stage investments, with a particular focus on opportunities in Australia and the United Kingdom. His extensive expertise in securitized credit programs has established him as a leading specialist in the field. Sharif’s deep understanding of both regulatory frameworks and market dynamics enables him to deliver strategic insights and high-value solutions.
His comprehensive background and strategic vision underpin his role as a pivotal figure in shaping innovative investment strategies.
Guy Hamilton
Chair of the Credit Committee
Guy Hamilton is a distinguished banking executive with a notable career at HSBC, where he has excelled in structured credit risk governance, policy, and frameworks across two continents. His extensive expertise encompasses the development and implementation of robust risk management frameworks, demonstrating his exceptional ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
Guy’s leadership in shaping credit risk policies has significantly contributed to HSBC’s global strategic objectives and operational resilience. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing financial governance and fostering innovative risk management solutions. With a track record of excellence and a strategic vision, Guy Hamilton stands out as a key figure in the evolution of banking risk practices.
Richard Green
Non Executive Director / Audit & Risk Committee
Richard Green is a distinguished executive with a notable career in Australian banking, having served as Head of Institutional Banking at Westpac, Managing Director at BNP Paribas, and in key institutional roles at CBA. His expertise in governance, credit risk programs, and organizational culture has significantly shaped the institutions he has led. Richard’s adeptness in managing risk committees is underscored by his current role on the Gallantree Risk Committee, where his insights drive strategic risk management practices.
His leadership is characterized by a commitment to robust governance frameworks and a culture of excellence. Richard Green’s extensive experience and strategic acumen position him as a leading authority in institutional banking and risk management.
Brett Hales
Director / Strategic Partnerships / Credit and Securitisation Programs
Brett Hales is a seasoned financial services technologist and product specialist, renowned for his contributions to securitization program development at Gallantree. As the founder and former CEO of Tappr, a merchant services business acquired for its innovative approach, Brett showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. His distinguished career includes senior roles at Suncorp and a Regional Director position at Synapse, where he excelled in managing credit programs, strategic client enablement, card programs, and securitization. Known for his exceptional expertise in fintech and financial services, Brett has been instrumental in developing advanced mathematical credit programs. His strategic vision and entrepreneurial drive continue to shape and elevate the financial technology sector.
Brett Hales is a leading figure in advancing financial services through innovation and strategic insight.
Jesse Lee
Associate Director
Jesse Lee is a seasoned financial analyst and treasury specialist with robust experience in financial services. His extensive experience in treasury management for leading banks has equipped him with a deep understanding of financial systems and risk assessment.
As an Associate Director at Gallantree, Jesse’s expertise in financial modeling and treasury management has been pivotal in driving the firm’s growth and strategic development. His proactive attitude and relentless drive have significantly contributed to Gallantree’s success, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation. Jesse’s unique blend of technical knowledge and financial acumen positions him as a key contributor to Gallantree’s continued expansion and success.
Clive Kay
General Manager & Executive Director
Clive Kay is a distinguished expert in risk management, structured credit, and compliance, with extensive experience in credit unions spanning Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. His leadership as CEO and Managing Director of Alliant Perpetual, a New Zealand-based Building Society, was marked by significant achievements, including the successful acquisition of the institution in 2023. Under his stewardship, Alliant Perpetual functioned as member-owned Building Soceity delivering bespoke financial solutions to its members. Clive’s deep expertise in finance accounting and credit risk has positioned him as a pivotal figure in shaping strategic financial frameworks. His broad international experience and strategic insight underscore his role as a leading authority in investment banking and risk management.
Steve Toomey
Platform and Strategy Director
Steve Toomey is a veteran banking professional with over 20 years of experience in core banking platform establishment and product development, having held prominent roles at Barclays Bank, Morgan Stanley, and UBS Warburg. His extensive expertise in banking platforms has endowed him with a unique skill set that drives innovative solutions in financial technology.
Steve’s proficiency in cybersecurity, developed through significant work with both banking institutions and government agencies, enhances his ability to safeguard and optimize financial systems. His strategic vision and technical acumen have consistently delivered cutting-edge platforms and secure solutions. As a leading specialist in core banking and cybersecurity, Steve Toomey exemplifies excellence and innovation in the financial sector.
David Nichols
Group Risk and Compliance
David Nichols is the Group Risk and Compliance Director at Gallantree Group, where he excels in fostering a robust risk and governance culture. With a distinguished career at CBA and Qudo’s Bank, David brings extensive expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive risk management policies and procedures. He adeptly monitors and assesses risk management activities to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while also identifying and evaluating potential risks to the organization. His strategic approach includes designing risk mitigation strategies, maintaining risk management databases, and coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders.
David’s elite-level skills extend to conducting risk management training, generating detailed reports and dashboards, and analyzing data to effectively reduce potential losses.
Andre Allavena
Software Architect and Engineer
Andre Allavena is a highly accomplished software architect and engineer with over 20 years of experience in API development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, with a strong focus on banking and finance. His distinguished career includes significant contributions at BWIN and Suncorp, where he excelled in developing robust banking and wealth management solutions. Andre’s expertise in algorithm design and his deep understanding of complex financial systems set him apart as a leader in the industry. Known for his exceptional coding skills and leadership abilities, he brings a unique blend of technical proficiency and strategic vision to his roles.
Andre Allavena’s extensive experience and innovative approach continue to drive advancements in financial technology.
Andre is alos a lead violinist at the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra.