Meet the Executive Team feature image

 

Canstar Group Executive Team

Canstar’s Executive Leadership Team leads our daily operations and continues to drive the business forward.


Mark Gracey

Mark Gracey
Managing Director and Group CEO

Mark joined Canstar in 2024 after returning from France where he ran his own consultancy. From 2015-2021, Mark served on the Group Executive at leading UK listed price comparison group, MONY as Corporate Development Director (LON:MONY). MONY’s brands include Moneysupermarket, Quidco, and Moneysavingexpert. Mark led c£150m of acquisitions for MONY, served as the Chair of digital mortgage platform Podium Solutions, and led the merger of travel metasearch specialists Travelsupermarket and Icelolly.

Prior to MONY, Mark worked as a venture capitalist at the top 10 globally ranked technology investment fund, Scottish Equity Partners. Mark holds two first-class honours degrees (Engineering and Economics) and a Master of Economics (Statistics) from the University of Western Australia. He was admitted as a Chartered Professional Engineer by the Institute of Engineers in 2002.


Chris Mitchell

Chris Mitchell, CA
Chief Financial Officer

Chris Mitchell has been in the Canstar Group finance team since 2007 and is currently the CFO. Chris has co-piloted its transformation from a small B2B research business into a B2B2C digital marketplace.

Prior to Canstar, Chris has held senior financial and commercial roles in advertising in London and hospitality in Canada. With more than 20 years experience, Chris started his career in audit in North Queensland. Chris has also been on the CA ANZ Queensland Council since 2020.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree at James Cook University in Townsville. Chris has been a Chartered Accountant (CA) since 2000 and completed the AICD company directors course (2013).

Megan Doyle

Megan Doyle
Canstar Blue CEO

Megan Doyle is CEO of Canstar Blue. Megan and the team have exponentially grown the Canstar Blue revenue line and brand awareness over the past few years, to become the #1 most trusted comparison marketplace in Australia, as rated by consumers.

Prior to Canstar, Megan worked in Fortune 100 listed companies, the Australian Government, financial services and fast moving consumer goods categories, in strategy & marketing analytics roles. Which led her to establish her own strategy consultancy operating for more than eight years on various strategic projects across various industries.

Megan holds a Bachelor of Economics and has completed an Executive Centrals, Management Excellence Program.

Paul Duggan

Paul Duggan
Canstar Gold CEO

Paul Duggan is the CEO of Canstar Gold – Australia’s biggest financial comparison site. Paul and the team are responsible for driving the continued growth and commercial outcomes of Canstar Gold. Additionally, Paul has responsibility for the operations of Canstar NZ, the commercial outcomes of RateCity and the strategic direction and execution of Canstar Wealth.

Prior to Canstar, Paul held senior roles encompassing marketing, commercial and strategy including repositioning Shine Pty Ltd as CMO / CDO, driving digital transformation and growth of Budget Direct as General Manager of Digital and Marketing, and founding then selling an online social network.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Marketing) from the University of Wollongong and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sara Tweedly

Sara Tweedly
Chief Marketing Officer

Sara Tweedly has been with the Canstar Group since 2013 and Chief Marketing Officer since 2021. In her role, Sara is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of Canstar’s marketing strategy to drive traffic and brand awareness, improve customer experiences and generate revenue streams.

Prior to Canstar, Sara accumulated almost 20 years experience in the finance, marketing, digital and communications industries with practical and demonstrated success across paid, earned and owned media as well as experience running product teams.

Sara holds a Bachelor of Laws as well as a Bachelor of Media and Management and is a Certified Marketing Professional.


Lynne Cawley

Lynne Cawley
Chief Operations Officer

Lynne Cawley has been a dedicated member of the Canstar Group since 2002, assuming the role of Chief Operations Officer in 2021. As COO, Lynne is instrumental in driving Canstar’s business objectives through strategic operational leadership. Her responsibilities encompass executing strategies that enhance research quality, product innovation, and technological advancements. Additionally, Lynne fosters a cohesive company culture, builds strong employee engagement, and ensures seamless collaboration across all Canstar brands.

Prior to Canstar, Lynne worked as a successful, solutions-focussed operations professional at Westpac’s data centre and also worked on strategic workforce projects at Westpac.

Lynne holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from QUT and is a registered General Psychologist.


Libby Carmichael
General Counsel & Company Secretary

Libby Carmichael has been with the Canstar Group since 2020 and has been General Counsel & Company Secretary since 2024. She is responsible for managing Canstar Group’s legal, risk and compliance functions. Libby provides strategic advice on a wide range of matters, including corporate governance, commercial transactions, financial services, credit and regulatory compliance.

Prior to Canstar, Libby worked in London advising on high value technology transactions, and before that for the Australian Government advising on a wide range of sectors.

Libby holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland. As well as a Master of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University. She is admitted as Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland.


Mitch Watson
Chief Data Officer

Mitchell (Mitch) Watson has been with the Canstar Group for over 16 years, becoming Chief Data Officer in August 2023. In his role, Mitch is responsible for leading Canstar’s data strategy, ensuring robust data governance, and promoting data-driven use cases across the organisation. He focuses on leveraging data techniques, technology and automation to drive business goals and enhance operational performance.

Prior to his current role, Mitch held several key positions at Canstar, including General Manager of Research and Insights, playing a pivotal role in managing Canstar’s flagship star ratings and awards, which benchmark financial products and services, helping consumers make informed decisions.

Mitchell holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Griffith University and has extensive experience in financial services. He has also been a regular media commentator and contributor to industry publications.


More information

Last updated: 29/07/2024

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