MICHAEL SCHAEFER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Michael is a Founder and brings deep experience in agribusiness, government relations, and innovation leadership. Raised on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, he operated a 3,800-hectare farming enterprise and has dedicated his career to advancing the grains industry.
A former Director of Grain Producers Australia, and past Chair of the Grains Council of South Australia, Michael has been a prominent voice in industry advocacy. He has served on multiple state and federal government inquiries and review panels, earning a reputation for constructive engagement with decision-makers at all levels.
Michael maintains strong networks across local, state, and federal government and leads strategic conversations with regulators, policymakers, and early-stage customers. He plays a key role in testing and scaling new ideas and technologies, ensuring SA2050 remains agile, connected, and forward-thinking.
michael@sa2050.com
DANNY MACMAHON
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Danny Macmahon is a Founder and brings extensive experience across international business, agribusiness, sales, and marketing. Formerly CEO of a mid-sized wine company, he led its transformation from a grape-growing operation into an award winning global brand, expanding into over 15 international markets and launching multiple successful product lines.
With eight years based in Europe and a strong track record in start-ups, Danny brings a commercial focus and deep market insight. He has successfully negotiated major customer agreements, secured project funding, and driven strategic growth initiatives. Danny holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Diploma in Wine Marketing
danny@sa2050.com
DAMIAN SERONG
DIRECTOR, INNOVATION & SUPPLIER RELATIONS
Damian Serong is a Founder and brings a global perspective to innovation and supplier engagement, with over two decades of experience spanning wine, technology, and international business. Originally from Melbourne, Damian moved to the United States in 2007 to lead distribution efforts for Australian wineries and has been based in Nashville, Tennessee for the past 13 years.
Beyond wine, Damian has worked across diverse technology sectors including software development, healthcare IT, and renewable energy. He has led commercialisation efforts for a wide range of products and platforms from medical devices developed at Harvard in partnership with the US Department of Defense, to pharmaceutical software solutions and waste-to-energy technologies.
With expertise in sales, marketing, distribution, and project management, Damian brings a strong international network and proven capability in taking innovation from concept to market across North America and Europe.
damian@sa2050.com
PHIL BADCOCK
GENERAL MANAGER
Phil is an experienced business leader having been General Manager for various businesses providing different products and services in the past including steel supply, building products, health and safety consulting services, water treatment, irrigation and hydraulics. Phil thrives on a challenge, enjoys developing strong relationships with his customers and works hard to achieve the best outcome for them.
Outside of work Phil has a strong involvement in Rugby Union and is a Life Member and Hall Of Fame Member for Rugby Union SA, he is also a past President for Rugby Union SA. In addition to his involvement in Rugby, Phil is also a very strong supporter of Variety, The Children’s Charity, he is approaching his 20th Variety Bash, initially as an entrant, but now as an official and on the organising committee. Phil really enjoys time away in outback and up the river, particularly if his 4 grandchildren are included.
phil@sa2050.com
KATIE BYRNE
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Starting her career in Construction and Project Management, Katie has been responsible for bringing multi-million dollar projects to life - from managing the cost control, program and resources needed. Katie progressed her career to business operations, through applying the learnings from complex commercial projects to small- medium sized business. With a strong commercial intuition and ability to establish plans and cultivate progress, Katie is very familiar acting in the role of a CEO's right hand.
Katie grew up and started her career in Adelaide, then continued in Sydney for 8 years, before returning to Adelaide to start her own consulting business, Right Hand Band. In this capacity, she is able to support a variety of businesses as their Operations Manager. She has proudly been a part of the SA2050 team since 2020.
katie@sa2050.com