About Vanessa Brewis - CEO, Taurus Software

Taurus Software Solutions has grown from a business run from home to a multi million dollar business with clients including Telstra and Queensland Department of Main Roads.

Vanessa has successfully led the business through the rapidly changing world of IT for over 14 years.

Vanessa negotiated and settled the key commercial terms with Taurus’ foundation customer Telstra whilst developing strategies for the future direction of Taurus and overseeing the implementation of those strategies, including a “go to market” strategy for Taurus’ products under development.

Vanessa’s desire to utilize her experience working for major corporations including MIM, SANTOS and KPMG (providing commercial advice on a diverse range of commercial transactions both in Aust and in South east Asia) whilst gaining the flexibility to spend time enjoying motherhood was the inspiration for her to start her own new business.

Vanessa has a demonstrated track record in evaluating business opportunities and the skills and experience to pursue those opportunities to fruition. As lead commercial advisor for SANTOS’ South East Asia business unit, she negotiated multi million dollar oil and gas sale agreements for the Bentu project in Indonesia and Gobe project in Papua New Guinea.

Her ability to “ask the right questions” when analysing business opportunities has developed from Vanessa’s skill base in building financial models (her most notable being the Highland’s Pacific in-house financial model to assist funding and investment in the billion dollar RAMU mining project) and her understanding of investor expectations gained through experience liaising with international financial advisors such as Rothschilds and the World Bank.

Vanessa has the courage to implement new ideas and the experience to ensure their success.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws - Queensland University of Technology - 1995
• Bachelor of Commerce - University of Queensland - 1988

Board and Committee Positions:

• Director — Taurus Software Solutions (current)
• Director — Ergon Energy Pty Ltd (July 05 until sale in Nov 06)
• Treasurer — Thistle Highland Dancing Auxillary

Affiliations:

• Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants
• Graduate of Institute of Company Directors
• Member of WIT