Sascha Detmold-Cox Announced as Chair of Business SA’s Board of Directors

June 23, 2023

Sascha Detmold Cox (Acting Co-CEO) of Detmold Group has been announced as Chair of Business SA’s board of directors, following the retirement of Nikki Govan.

Sascha joined the Chamber of Commerce and Industries leadership in November 2019 and was elevated to the top position by the board governance committee during its February 2023 meeting.

“I am honoured to be continuing Nikki’s inspiring work as Chair, said Ms Detmold Cox.

“Business SA, like most organisations, has faced its share of challenges in the past few years. The continuity that comes in selecting the Chair from the existing board is important for the understanding of our organisation’s recent history and our strategic direction.

“I am very passionate about South Australia. I want to help the board and the CEO drive Business SA forward.

“We need to be a strong and relevant organisation to be able to support the many thousands of businesses in our state who rely on their Chamber of Commerce and Industry”.

Sascha has a wealth of diverse experience with 30 years in her family’s manufacturing business. Sascha also owns a medium sized hospitality franchise with her husband Nic.

“I joined Detmold Group when I was 17 years old. At the time, I wasn’t sure if a career in business was for me, but I studied business and marketing at university while working in various positions in the company, and I essentially never left.

“Nic and I purchased Cibo Norwood during the height of the COVID pandemic. It’s a smaller business but with its own set of unique challenges.

“Owning a franchise and working in a large organisation has provided me with broad insight into the issues facing the business community in our state”.

Business SA CEO Andrew Kay notes Ms Detmold Cox’s appointment is symbolic of the Chamber’s history in South Australia.

“If you look at our honour board of past Chairs, the names at the helm of the Chamber represent a who’s who of iconic local businesses that have built this state. To have the Detmold name associated with Business SA continues a long and proud tradition dating back to 1839”, said Mr Kay.

Sascha is a mother to three daughters and is proud to be a strong role model in their lives.

“I want my daughters to appreciate you can have a career, you can contribute to your community and the things you are passionate about, while being a great mum.

“Of course, it’s not always easy and I’m grateful for support from Nic, my family and my friends who have helped me along the way.

“I am fortunate to have been offered many opportunities which I have always relished, both within our organisation and for volunteer Board positions. I love working with my father and two sisters and am proud to be instrumental in driving the ongoing success and sustainability of our 75-year-old company.

“I hope I can demonstrate through my role at Detmold Group, and by leading South Australia’s Peak Industry Body that your gender doesn’t define your leadership capabilities and the decision to have a family doesn’t negatively impact a career trajectory. It just takes positivity and hard work,” Ms Detmold Cox added.

Sascha looks forward to working with her board colleagues in the coming months, supporting the organisation’s executive in the delivery of new products and services while advocating the government to harness entrepreneurship and facilitate the ease of doing business in South Australia.

Sascha was listed as one of South Australia’s businesspeople to watch in 2023 by The Advertiser in January this year.

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