Managing Director and Co-founder

Ryan completed a long and challenging career in the Australian Army spanning 18 years, primarily in the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). During which he gained extensive experience in leading teams in highly complex and extremely uncertain environments. Ryan served on multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and other areas throughout the world. During his time in the special forces, Ryan experienced many life-changing and challenging situations which sparked his interest in resilience, high performance, and operational management. Following his military career, Ryan commenced his journey into the Whiskey Industry, starting in 2020 as Business Development Manager for Whipper Snapper Distillery. In 2021, he was promoted to General Manager overseeing the entire operation.

Ryan is active in the veteran support space, being a member of the Board of Directors for Veteran employment non-for-profit Working Spirit and is the WA manager for the veteran Charity Wandering Warriors. Ryan has recently founded a new charity called Working Paws Australia which aims to raise money and provide financial assistance for medical bills and other areas associated with retired military and police working dogs.

Ryan holds a BA in Politics and International Studies from Murdoch University and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Western Australia. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company directors (AICD) Course. Ryan has also spent much of his career living and working all though Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, and is fluent in Bahasa Indonesian.

Director and Co-founder

Justin concluded his military career as a Warrant Officer Class two after 25 years of service in the Australian Army, 20 of which as a qualified operator in the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). During his tenure in SASR Justin fulfilled several senior command and leadership roles such as an SAS Patrol Commander, SAS Troop Sergeant and as an acting SAS Squadron Sergeant Major.

Justin’s operation experience is quite extensive, having conducted over 25 operational and combat deployments in countries such as Timor Leste, Afghanistan, and Iraq, among others. This experience has allowed him to develop a sound ability to plan, lead and execute highly complex missions in some of the worlds most dangerous and austere environments.

After completing a year long Indonesian language course in 2012, Justin has maintained a deep interest in Bahasa Indonesian and in the training and mentoring of foreign counterparts across Southeast Asia. Justin has planned, lead and orchestrated large scale bi-lateral training activities in countries such as The Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, and particularly Indonesia.

Justin is now ready to translate his experiences into bespoke training packages, Corporate Leadership, and Resilience Building.

In addition to his military qualifications Justin holds an Advance Diploma in Leadership and Management through Churchill Education.

Director of Operations

Andrew served 16-years in the Australian Army which included demanding positions within both the Infantry and Special Forces. During his service, Andrew accepted multiple leadership roles such as a recon patrol commander, recruit instructor, senior non-commissioned officer and as a Special Forces operator within the 2nd Commando Regiment (2 CDO).  This service saw multiple operations in south-east Asia, the middle east and domestically in the Tactical Assault Group (TAG)- EAST. Andrew also deployed in an exchange program, working with multiple foreign armies around Europe and North America.

Since leaving defence, Andrew has been in various roles which include trainer/assessor, security consultant, leadership coach, peer advisor for veterans and emergency service responder. In 2021 Andrew established AEP consultants and has since been entrusted to deliver Mental health and Resilience training to organisations which include Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Department of Education, mining industry, Department of Defence, emergency services and various of other organisations. 

Andrew qualifications include Diploma of Leadership & management, Security Risk Management, Work Health and Safety and Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, Health Care, Mental Health Peer Work, Outdoor Recreation and many more. Alongside these qualifications comes real-world experience both in the military and the private sector -domestic and international. 

Andrew has joined EXAS Group as Director of Operations, which provides our clients with an extensive range knowledge, strategies and skill sets; to enhance operational effectiveness and capability to any organisation.