The South Australian Government has introduced three new appointments to the board of Brand South Australia, enhancing the team with significant expertise across various sectors. Announced by Joe Szakacs, the Minister for Trade and Investment, the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to promote and protect the State Brand.
The new board members are Jennie Zeiher, Pauly Vandenbergh, and Kirsty Balnaves, each bringing an array of experiences from entertainment, sports, and wine production. This diversification aims to boost the state’s profile both domestically and internationally.
Jennie Zeiher is the head of Rising Sun Pictures, an Adelaide-based studio famous for its visual effects work on acclaimed film franchises such as Harry Potter and TV series like Game of Thrones. The company recently won the 2024 Australian Exporter of the Year Award. Zeiher’s leadership is expected to bring an innovative edge to Brand SA, enhancing its engagements across creative fronts.
Pauly Vandenbergh comes to Brand SA with a rich background in Indigenous cultural education and a role in sports, serving as the National Diversity Talent Manager for the Australian Football League. He is also involved in Indigenous businesses, including a directorship at Wanna Mar tuna fishing and Munda Wines. Vandenbergh’s inclusion symbolises a step towards more inclusive representation and leverage in sports and indigenous enterprise.
Kirsty Balnaves, a seasoned executive in the wine industry, brings over 30 years of experience. As the Director at Balnaves of Coonawarra and the President of the South Australian Wine Industry Association, she is recognised for her contributions to the growth of the wine sector. Her position is set to help propel the state’s famed wine industry and agricultural sectors.
The three appointees will contribute to the board currently led by Jane Jeffreys AM, who continues as the Chair alongside members Rebecca Morse, Franklin Dos Santos, and George Georgiadis.
Brand South Australia plays a pivotal role in enhancing local economic activities and has been instrumental in promoting the ‘Buy SA. For SA.’ initiative, which successfully reached the milestone of having 10,000 businesses registered under the state’s branding campaign as of February 2025. This initiative encourages consumers to support local producers by making it easier for them to identify South Australian goods and services.
Following the announcement, Minister Szakacs spoke about the importance of Brand SA in boosting the state’s profile on a global scale, aiming to attract further trade and investment opportunities. “We’ve seen a groundswell of pride and ambition in our great state, underpinned by world-class events, unbeatable tourism experiences, and top-notch hospitality,” Szakacs stated.
New board member Pauly Vandenbergh shared his commitment to promoting South Australia’s diverse culture and heritage. “I’m honoured to join the Brand SA Board and contribute to shaping the future of South Australia’s identity…I look forward to working alongside fellow board members to drive positive impact and strengthen the Brand SA message,” he said.
Jennie Zeiher said, “With the same passion and commitment that helped position Rising Sun Pictures as a global leader, I look forward to collaborating with the newly appointed board and the Brand SA team.”
Kirsty Balnaves said she was looking forward “to shining a light on South Australia’s amazing diverse regions and premier food and wine industry.”
These appointments come as a strategic move to leverage diverse experiences that will potentially scale up South Australia’s economic and cultural portfolio both at home and across global platforms.
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