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Team

What was once a dream shared over a kitchen bench has grown to become an invaluable reality. Two passionate property minds have expanded into a multi-disciplinary team of middle market finance experts with the backing of the Bori Liberman family office. The first project has grown into over 200. And that kitchen bench has evolved to become a proud Malvern Road address, where the power of partnerships means the remarkable is made possible everyday.

The in-depth property and finance knowledge of our multidisciplinary team will always ensure a practical, flexible and responsive capital solution.

Directors & Executives

Michael Kark

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

Michael co-founded Monark in 2013. An articulate, entrepreneurial thinker who sees the big picture and minutiae with equal acuity, his strategic and cultural stewardship continue to drive the firm’s growth and evolution.

Graduating from the University of Cape Town first with a degree in medicine, then an MBA, his career prior to Monark included two years in corporate finance with an international accounting firm, eight within the property division of an international investment bank, and a further three as head of development asset finance for a boutique property financier.

Focused and considered, always calm and forever curious, his passion for creating opportunities that benefit developers and investors alike is the bedrock upon which Monark’s reputation is built.

Adam Slade-Jacobson

Chief Investment Officer and Co-Founder

Adam is a co-founder of Monark. An endless source of energy, enthusiasm and humour, his desire to see great developments brought to life is as palpable as his 20+ year track record of delivering finance solutions that drive successful stakeholder outcomes.

Responsible for managing the firm’s key relationships, Adam’s expertise in investment banking and property finance has seen him involved in multiple landmark projects totaling many billions of dollars, and earned Adam several industry awards.

Personable, empathetic and always proactive, he enjoys liaising closely with our clients throughout, and beyond their projects, and uses his extensive industry contacts to add value wherever possible.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.

Adam Slade-Jacobson is a credit representative 433 826 of BLSSA Pty Ltd A.C.N 117 651 760 ( Australian Credit Licence 391237)

Justin Liberman

Executive Director, Jagen

Providing strategic input to the Monark Board, Justin is Principal and Director at Jagen, a family office with a long history of investment in property and other major sectors, covering all stages of venture, growth and private equity investing. He also co-founded Square Peg Capital, a venture capital and private equity company that partners with outstanding entrepreneurs to solve big problems in a unique and differentiated way.

Passionate about emerging trends and always open to new ideas, Justin’s depth of experience and expansive thinking make a telling contribution to Monark’s growth and strategy evolution.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.

Barry Brott

Non-Executive Director, Advisory Board Member

As an Advisory Board Member to our executive team, Barry’s wide-ranging investment experience and considered decision-making have long been a key asset for the firm.

In addition to being a co-founding partner of Square Peg Capital—a venture capital and private equity company—Barry is the Investment Manager at Jagen, a Melbourne-based family office he joined in 2006. Barry has also held senior corporate development positions at ASX-listed MYOB Limited and Village Roadshow Limited, and advisory positions at Merrill Lynch and KPMG.

Outside of working hours, Barry’s family and four children are his focus. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.

Sam Mitchell

Chief Financial Officer

A former Pitcher Partners director with an auditor’s eye for detail, procedure and control, Sam’s professional focus for more than a decade has centred on asset and funds management accounting, with key roles in both Melbourne and the USA.

Expert in the full gamut of traditional proficiencies, including taxation, treasury management and compliance, he is also a highly skilled communicator, and his ability to articulate complex financial information clearly and succinctly is immediately evident in the firm’s management, board and investor reports.

A diligent colleague and affable family man, Sam is a qualified Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand.

Dani Peer

Head of Capital

Dani is a wealth creation and portfolio management strategist, who specialises in the development of solutions-based investment products for high net worth individuals.

A respected financial services professional of the highest integrity, his 30-year track record of success includes executive level positions in wealth management and non-bank lending, and numerous advisory and consulting roles.

Positive, knowledgeable and able to communicate complex concepts with compelling clarity, Dani’s passion for the profession is reflected through his commitment to continual learning from the world’s investment philosophy thought leaders.

He is the proud dad of two adult daughters, a devoted husband and a connoisseur of fine whisky.

Independent Advisors

James Goodwin

Investment Committee Member

James’ professional career began in mergers and acquisitions for a top tier legal firm. Deciding his future lay not in documenting and executing transactions, but in strategising and initiating them, he soon traded law for corporate finance.

Two decades on, his highlight-filled resume is testament to his affinities for finance and
financial risk management, with executive roles in treasury, capital management and funds management to his name, and significant experience both on the debt and equity
side—most recently through his own consultancy.

Throughout, the property sector has been James’ principal focus, and professional rigour his hallmark; attributes that make him perfectly suited to his position as a Monark Investment Committee Member.

He holds Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Monash University, and a Master of Applied Science from Macquarie University.

Matthew Chun

Investment Committee and Advisory Board Member

As an Investment Committee and Advisory Board member, Matthew applies his multi-faceted experience in property ownership, development, finance and funds management to provide deeper, more insightful perspectives that enable smarter decision making and creative funding solutions.

A highly respected industry figure and gifted motivator, Matthew prides himself on making a positive impact. He has formal qualifications in accounting, property and real estate, and a nearly three decade-long resume that includes CEO and senior leadership positions within ASX listed companies, multiple directorships and numerous consultancy and corporate advisory roles.

Committed to balancing work, life and community, he is a devoted father of four and a long-standing volunteer surf lifesaver.

Peter Hutchins

Advisory Board Member

Peter is the Chief Executive of Charter Keck Cramer, a company he transformed from a modest Melbourne-based valuation practice, to a diversified independent property advisory firm with a 200-strong team and offices across Asia and Australia.

In his role as an advisory board member, Peter brings to Monark more than three decades’ experience and a deep connection to the property industry coalface. Articulate, strategically minded and solutions driven, his nationwide and sector-wide knowledge is a constant source of incisive decision support.

Away from professional duties, Peter’s focus shifts to his family, and occasionally global weather patterns in preparation for his next big wave surfing adventure.

Transaction Origination, Execution and Oversight

Tom Nadav

Director, Investments | Sydney

Astute, engaging, and driven by dual passions for investment and property, Tom’s proficiencies in the finance and wealth creation sectors are both deep and diverse.

With experience in funds management, investment banking, and non-bank lending, he has performed key analytic, advisory, origination, and execution roles, and is renowned for establishing strong relationships with corporate and private clients, alike.

Responsible for growing Monark’s presence throughout New South Wales, Tom is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.

Rupert Blunden

Director, Investments | Melbourne

An early mover into non-bank lending after his initial foray into corporate finance with one of the big four, Rupert brings to this key role a rare, pitch perfect mix of sector-specific experience, and dual expertise in origination and analytics across all major real estate
classes.

Both a property person and a people person, his easy-going nature, sharp technical mind and innate professionalism have seen him nurture enduring, respect-based relationships with clients, consultants and contemporaries all throughout the industry.

Rupert holds a Bachelor of Business, Commerce Law and Finance from Monash University, and a Master of Applied Finance majoring in Corporate Finance from Kaplan Professional, Australia. Away from the office, his interests include running, boxing, doting on his baby daughter and spending time with his extended family.

Amit Sharma

Director, Deal Execution

Amit has more than 15 years of property investment experience, including a decade with the real estate divisions of J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley in India.

Since joining Monark in 2018, his sharp analytic mind and diligent, solutions-oriented approach have delivered insightful assessments of risk and return parameters—particularly with highly complex property transactions—and helped ensure expert management of transactions throughout the investment cycle.

Amit is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. An avid sports fan and dedicated family man, he has two young children, and enjoys playing cricket and tennis.

Chris D’Angelo

Associate Director, Deal Execution

Chris has spent his entire professional career in property. He has bought and sold, designed, developed and managed it. Most recently, combined that firsthand knowledge with his technical skills in finance and accounting, to excel in transaction analysis, funds management and private equity, in Australia, Canada and the United States.

Complementing that 360° competency, he has an innate ability to simplify complex structures, an entrepreneurial mindset, easy-going nature and a high degree of professional integrity.

A Chartered Professional Accountant, Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting from Concordia University, Canada. He has three school-aged children, speaks three languages and is a handy golfer.

Chiau Lin Lau

Associate Director, Deal Execution

Property has long been a source of fascination for Chiau Lin. Energetic, thorough and always thinking outside the box, she draws on her multidisciplinary experience in auditing, banking and corporate finance to analyse project risk and return holistically—looking beyond the numbers, to the stories behind them—to ensure she makes the right call on every prospective transaction.

A CFA® charterholder and Chartered Accountant (Australia and New Zealand), Chiau Lin was recognised as the Acuity Future Leader – 20 Chartered Accountants to watch in 2020 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Magazine. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Accounting) from the University of Melbourne, holds directorships in several not-for-profit organisations and is fluent in English and Mandarin.

Jake Potter

Senior Associate, Deal Execution

Jake’s expertise in financial modelling, experience in the complex world of project finance, and personal interest in property have proven a blueprint for success in his role at Monark.

An affable colleague and insightful analyst, Jake’s innate curiosity compels him to look beyond simple answers. Focused on evaluating the information presented and the thinking that underpins it with equal rigour, his assessment of each investment opportunity begins by validating the fundamentals—not just the formulae.

In addition to being a Charterholder with the CFA Institute, Jake holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Entrepreneurship and Accounting from RMIT University. He enjoys a variety of sports, and recently became a father for the first time.

Daniel Yach

Associate, Deal Execution

Daniel possesses a unique blend of expertise in direct real estate investment and
investment banking—the former from his tenure as Group Investment Manager at a
prominent international industrial property investment firm; the latter from prior roles within the realms of investment and finance.

Upbeat and energetic, his approach to financial structuring combines an unwavering
attention to detail with a passion for innovation. He radiates optimism and relishes in the challenge to seek optimal solutions for all stakeholders, carefully balancing risk and reward.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Science (Hons) in Finance from the University of Cape Town, and a Master of Science in Technology, Innovation, Systems & People from The Da Vinci Institute. Away from the office, Daniel’s interests include philosophy, personal fitness, and immersing himself in the culture of his new hometown.

Paul McIntyre

Director, Construction Risk

During a career now in its third decade, Paul has constructed or consulted on every project typology—both locally and overseas—built relationships with key industry stakeholders nationally, and learned the nuances of Melbourne’s principal development locations.

Formerly Head of Construction for an ASX-listed property development company—and still a registered domestic and commercial builder—he applies his deep technical knowledge and vast experience to analyse, and monitor, construction risk from project inception to completion.

Complementing our execution team’s document-based risk assessment, Paul’s field expertise and industry network not only help safeguard investor returns, they also better protect our project partners.

After hours, his duties shift to ferrying his two teenage sons to and from sport, and the occasional round of golf.

Marina Shnaider

Director, Private Capital | Melbourne

Respected by her peers. Trusted by her clients. Marina is held in the highest regard for her professionalism, integrity, and ability for making complex investment information accessible and easily understood.

A specialist in wealth and finance for high-net worth individuals, Marina brings to Monark more than 20 years’ experience in private banking and non-bank lending. She is passionate about using her knowledge and skills to make a genuine difference—both for our investor partners, and the wider community through her advocacy for financial literacy.

Marina is an avid reader, occasional writer, and loves to ski with her husband and two daughters. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce & Business Systems from Monash University (with majors in Accounting & Information Technology) and a Diploma in Financial Services from Kaplan Professional.

Gini Li

Director, Private Capital | Sydney

Gini has over a decade of experience in commercial property and business development, working in New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Sydney. She is uniquely experienced across multiple facets of property – in debt origination, commercial brokerage, and funds management.

Deeply curious and empathetic, Gini approaches new challenges with energy and a desire to craft win-win strategies. Her success is predicated on her integrity, genuine interest in people, and strong work ethic.

Gini has an equally energetic toddler and enjoys rediscovering the world through her eyes. She’s also passionate about regenerative agriculture and is a strong advocate for small businesses and local growers. Gini graduated with distinction from Duke University, where she majored in Political Science, minored in French, and obtained a certificate in Markets and Management.

Ashley Hartman

Head of Legal & Operations

Having specialised in real estate finance, development and property law for more than a decade—in private practice for a top tier law firm, and as senior legal counsel for a large, private investment fund—Ashley is able to apply both technical and commercial insight to the analysis and documentation of each Monark transaction.

A lateral thinker with an exacting eye for detail, Ashley’s appreciation for process, project management prowess, and large firm experience have also equipped her with the ability to structure, execute and streamline workflows; a skill she is using to embed scalable operational efficiencies across the business.

Outside of the law, Ashley’s enjoys playing tennis, expanding her knowledge of wine and has recently taken up golf.

Karin Forster

Marketing & Communications Executive

Karin is an accomplished brand and marketing strategist, with a 20-year track record of managing successful, multichannel marketing strategies across the finance, property, FMCG and not-for-profit sectors.

A genuine end-to-end practitioner, her combination of analytical, technical and project management skills enable Karin to devise and implement marketing and communication solutions that effectively engage and connect partners to the Monark brand.

Mum to two school-age children, Karin begins the day with an early morning run—rain, hail or shine. She is an AMI Certified Practicing Marketer and holds a Master of Communication (Advertising) with Distinction from RMIT University.

Investor Relations, Finance and Administration

Kate Mullens

Investment Relations Manager

Kate joined Monark in 2016 after a decade with JGL Investments, the Liberman family office. She has worked in property, finance and banking for more than 30 years, including key administrative roles with Mallesons Stephen Jaques and Bank of Melbourne.

Calm, composed and always prepared, her no nonsense practicality and process-driven precision ensure Monark investors remain informed and up-to-date throughout the duration of their investment. Kate oversees initial documentation, collates monthly statements and quarterly reports, handles phone and email queries, and manages the final close down.

When not being the world’s best aunty to her 21 nieces and nephews, she can usually be found immersed in a good novel.

Rachel Tan

Senior Accountant

A hands-on finance practitioner with a professional accounting background in tier one construction and infrastructure, Rachel is responsible for a wide range of day-to-day financial management, reporting and statutory compliance obligations.

Organised and efficient, she combines high-level technical proficiency with a team oriented approach focused on helping colleagues work more effectively, through process improvement and enhanced analytic tools.

Committed to lifelong learning, Rachel is always looking for opportunities to build on her knowledge and expand her skillset. She speaks three languages, is a Certified Practising Accountant and holds a Master of Practising Accounting from Swinburne University.

Away from the balance sheet, you’re likely to find her running, practising yoga or doting over her two West Highland Terriers 

Sigrun Klatte

Office Manager & Executive PA

When Sig left Europe to travel the world back in 2010, Australia wasn’t even on her itinerary; now she couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere else.

An exceptional multitasker, and prolific list maker, Sig wears a great many hats over the course of  a day—often all at once—including executive PA,  event planner, travel organiser, IT help desk, bookkeeping clerk, administrative support, supplier liaison, and chief problem solver.

Sig joined the Monark team in its earliest days and, having worked in various administrative positions for over 20 years, her organisational efficiency, time management skills and calm demeanour make her a highly regarded colleague.

Away from the office, Sig enjoys nothing more than travelling and spending time with her partner and son. She holds a master’s degree in English and History from TU Dresden and San Francisco State University.