From stopping thieves in the GFC to running a $1b company, via The Star
Scott Wharton had an uneasy stint as CEO of The Star Sydney, but it was nothing compared with trying to stop office break-ins during the Lehman Bros collapse.
After finishing a science degree specialising in genetics and biochemistry, Scott Wharton completed a law degree. Dominic Lorrimer
Scott Wharton remembers the chaos vividly. He had been working for Lehman Bros for five months in Hong Kong, reporting to the chief financial officer of the US investment bank’s Asia-Pacific business.
Wharton, who is the chief executive of ASX-listed car leasing and salary packaging company Smartgroup, was fulfilling a lifelong dream. He took the advice of mentors, such as Ilana Atlas, now an Origin Energy director and chair of Scentre Group, and sought overseas experience to build his corporate career after an unusual background studying genetics, biochemistry and law at university in Australia.
Simon EvansSenior reporterSimon Evans writes on business specialising in retail, manufacturing, beverages, mining and M&A. He is based in Adelaide. Connect with Simon on Twitter. Email Simon at simon.evans@afr.com
