Executive Staff

Greg Ward was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Novita Children’s Services in July 2016.

With a focus on innovation and shared outcomes, Greg offers strong leadership for the achievement of our vision and ongoing sustainability. His experience in the selection and management of high performing teams will enable the implementation of a range of new exciting strategies for our transformation into meeting the challenges of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Greg has a long and impressive pedigree with successful military, public and private sector roles, including at CEO and Board level.

Following a 19 year career in the Royal Australian Navy, he has held a number of challenging positions in civil infrastructure, manufacturing, global defence businesses and ICT project management, both in South Australia and overseas.

Among his many achievements, Greg has successfully started, managed and grown a number of innovative businesses. With broad experience as a Project Director and Program Manager across civil design, IT and construction programs, he has delivered complex life-cycle projects. He has also consulted to a broad range of large global organisations focusing on project management strategy and implementation, operational effectiveness and improvement.

Greg is a firm advocate for investment into building skills, knowledge and staff retention, in order to maximise Novita’s unique offer, points of difference and intellectual properties.

Aapo Hakala is a commercially minded executive with more than 20 years of financial and operational leadership experience across the health, government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Originally from Finland, Aapo has worked throughout Europe and Australia, supporting organisations ranging from global corporations to community-focused services.

Before joining Novita, Aapo served as Chief Financial Officer at Country and Outback Health, an organisation supporting more than 9,000 clients across regional South Australia. His experience spans aged care, mental health, allied health, Aboriginal health, NDIS, and general health services - giving him a deep understanding of sector complexity and community needs.

As Novita’s Chief Financial Officer, Aapo is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for strategic, tactical and operational leadership across finance, business services, IT, business intelligence, plan management, facilities and fleet.

Aapo is passionate about strong financial stewardship and is committed to ensuring Novita’s resources are used in ways that directly enhance outcomes for the people and communities we support.

Scott brings over 30 years of experience in the health and human services sector, with a strong focus on disability, mental health, and aged care. He holds qualifications in Social Work & Social Policy, Psychology, and Health Management.

Scott began his career in Queensland as a social worker, supporting people in the areas of mental health and disability. Over the past 15 years, he has held a range of senior executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer at the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (SA Health), General Manager Innovation & Business Development at ECH, and Executive Director Client Services at Minda. In each of these positions, Scott has led major service portfolios, driven innovation, and implemented effective governance and engagement strategies.

His leadership has included the introduction of a dedicated client support unit, significant improvements in clinical governance, and oversight of key corporate services such as people and culture, IT, engineering, and food services.

At Novita, Scott oversees all areas of client delivery across our four pillars. He is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred services and ensuring our teams are supported to do their best work.

With a global career spanning the UK, US and Australia, Nikki is an experienced strategy and business development specialist, with a passion for finding creative solutions that drive growth in the marketplace and deliver quantifiable results.

At Novita, Nikki is responsible for strategic development, overseeing tenders and assisting the organisation navigate and respond to external opportunities and challenges, which will increase as the reforms from the NDIS gather pace and new foundational supports emerge.

With a younger sister with a profound disability, Nikki understands how important it is to truly support individuals and their families and to advocate for a more inclusive society.

Nikki holds a Master of Marketing and Bachelor of Commerce.

Elli is an experienced and people-focused HR leader with a strong background in shaping workplace culture, capability, and performance across the not-for-profit, disability and community sectors. Joining Novita in 2025, she leads our People portfolio with a focus on building an engaged, supported and high-performing workforce.

Before Novita, Elli held senior people and culture roles at Lighthouse Disability, Menz Confectionery, Scouts SA and Bene Aged Care, where she delivered key initiatives in workforce development, safety, wellbeing and organisational capability.

Elli is passionate about creating inclusive, positive workplaces where people feel valued and empowered - ensuring our teams are equipped to deliver the best outcomes for the people we support.

Josh is a strategic marketing and communications leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning global corporations, international non-profits, and Australia’s health and disability sectors. Since joining Novita in 2021, he has progressed through senior roles to become Executive Marketing Manager and Fundraising, leading major brand, digital, engagement and fundraising initiatives that strengthen Novita’s impact across South Australia.

Before Novita, Josh worked internationally with DKMS in Germany - the world’s largest blood stem cell donor network - where he managed global corporate communications and multi-country campaigns in the fight against blood cancer. His earlier analytical roles with E.ON and Uniper in Düsseldorf built his strong foundation in insights, reporting and strategic decision-making, complemented by his early work in market research here in Adelaide.

Across every role, Josh brings clarity, collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. He is committed to elevating Novita’s brand voice, strengthening community trust, and driving marketing and fundraising efforts that support people with disability live life their way.