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Natalie Collins
Strategic Partnerships - Corporate Innovation and Growth - Non-Executive Director [GAICD] - Startup Mentor and Investor
Professional Background
Natalie Collins is a distinguished leader and innovative non-executive director (NED) renowned for her extensive experience across various sectors, including Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), retail, professional services, corporate venture capital, property, and capital markets. With a career spanning several years, Natalie has carved a niche for herself as a key strategist and implementer of multi-channel, strategic initiatives that generate long-lasting value for organizations.
Natalie's entrepreneurial spirit shines through her multifaceted career which covers diverse domains such as finance, supply chain management, marketing, innovation, corporate governance, and venture capital. This broad spectrum of expertise empowers her to swiftly synthesize complex information and apply it to design effective strategies that align with corporate objectives. Throughout her career, she has consistently sought to challenge existing norms and has gained a reputation for pioneering innovative approaches that foster positive transformation and sustainable outcomes.
A proven communicator, Natalie has a natural talent for storytelling, both through written and verbal mediums, allowing her to engage and influence stakeholders effectively to drive results. Her mentorship in the entrepreneurship and startup sectors further underlines her dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and growth within the business landscape.
Education and Achievements
Natalie's academic credentials are equally impressive, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. She has participated in several esteemed programs, including the David Gonski Women Leading Program for Organizational Leadership at Executive Central, and she holds a master's accreditation in Human Centered Design from 10,000 Hours. Her educational pursuits also include a certification in CPIM (Production & Inventory Management) from APICS, and a formal qualification in Directorship from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Notably, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Economics (Accounting) from Macquarie University, laying a strong foundation for her career in finance and business.
Among her notable achievements is the successful design and implementation of the "Partner for Growth" program in 2015 for Coca-Cola Amatil—a groundbreaking supplier relationship management platform that integrated large multinationals and startups within the ecosystem. This award-winning initiative continues to generate significant value within the industry, demonstrating Natalie's forward-thinking approach and dedication to establishing robust commercial partnerships.
Furthermore, in 2018, Natalie co-founded Amatil X, a venture designed to tap into the startup ecosystem with a view of accelerating Coca-Cola Amatil's growth targets. Under her leadership, the Amatil X team rolled out the Xcelerate program, which serves as a venture-backed accelerator, collaborating with startup founders to explore potential synergies with Coca-Cola Amatil and the wider global network of Coca-Cola. The accomplishments of Amatil X include establishing a multi-million dollar venture capital fund and cultivating a diverse portfolio that includes innovative platforms spanning various sectors—such as AI-driven ordering systems for the hospitality industry and B2B e-commerce applications.
Achievements
With proven financial acumen and a robust understanding of corporate governance, strategy formulation, and risk management, Natalie has honed her capabilities through her tenure as an auditor and senior leader within publicly accountable organizations. Currently, she enjoys the role of Head of Commercial Partnerships at Woolworths Group, where her vast experience is crucial in driving strategic collaboration across various business units.
Her commitment to effective leadership and governance is also reflected in her former role as a Non-Executive Director at Centuria Capital Group, where she provided strategic oversight and expert advice to enhance operational performance. Furthermore, as a mentor and investor at Startmate, Natalie has actively contributed to nurturing emerging entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem, helping to shape future leaders within the industry.
Throughout her career at Coca-Cola Amatil, she excelled in multiple roles, including Manager of Partners and Growth, Supplier Innovation Manager, and Customer Innovation Manager. Each position allowed her to integrate her deep understanding of market trends with innovative practices that drive business growth and operational efficiency.
In the early stages of her career, Natalie gained valuable experience as an Undergraduate Auditor at PwC, a role that equipped her with the critical skills necessary for her future endeavors in financial strategy and compliance. This foundational experience paved the way for her journey into leadership roles within well-respected organizations.
Overall, Natalie Collins continues to be an influential figure in the landscape of corporate strategy, venture capital, and entrepreneurial mentorship. Her unwavering commitment to shaping sustainable business practices and her remarkable ability to inspire teams mark her as an exemplary leader in navigating complex business challenges and steering organizations towards future growth.
