NTIBN Secures Leadership Continuity to Deliver Business Priorities
The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) today confirms the resignation of Chief Executive Officer, Jerome Cubillo.
Jerome’s leadership since 2020 has been nothing short of exceptional. Under his direction, NTIBN grew from a two-person team to a nationally respected advocacy and service delivery organisation, representing more than 400 certified Aboriginal businesses. His work has shifted policy nationally, giving Blak businesses a powerful voice at the highest levels. The Board thanks Jerome for his outstanding contribution and wishes him and his family the very best as they continue their journey abroad.
Following Jerome’s resignation, the Board has reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of current Big Boss, Naomi Anstess. Naomi stepped down from the Chair of the Network and into the role during Jerome’s leave of absence, putting her own business on hold, driven by her unwavering belief in the cause of NTIBN, Blak Business and Aboriginal economic empowerment.
With the Board’s trust in her capabilities, the intention had been to move immediately to directly appoint her as Chief Executive Officer for a further one year term. However, in a demonstration of integrity and commitment to best practice, Naomi will recommend that the role be openly advertised through a transparent, merit-based process to secure stability for the next phase of growth. The Board fully supports this decision, acknowledging that it reflects the high standard of leadership and governance NTIBN expects across the sector.
To ensure stability through one of the Network’s most critical operational periods, the Board will consider endorsement of six-month extension, which will see Naomi once again placing her own business on hold in service to the NTIBN and its members. This extension will provide the continuity needed to deliver key priorities while the recruitment process is undertaken to secure the Network’s long-term leadership.
Chairman Raymond Pratt said:
“Naomi has the backing and confidence of the NTIBN Board. She has demonstrated the vision, the strength, and the leadership needed to take NTIBN into its next phase. While the Board was prepared to directly appoint her to the role, Naomi’s insistence on running an open and transparent process requesting that the position be advertised, shows the calibre of leader she is. Naomi is a fearless and proud advocate for our members. NTIBN is in safe hands, and we are proud to have Naomi continuing to lead the Network while we deliver the next stage of our journey.”
The NTIBN Board remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing Aboriginal economic empowerment, delivering for its members, and securing strong, stable leadership for the future.
For more information, please contact:
Raymond Pratt
NTIBN Chair
+61 4388 84785
www.ntibn.com.au
Charmaine Marquez
Systems, Media and Communications
+61 4244 16092
www.ntibn.com.au
Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network
Development House – Level 1
76 Esplanade, Darwin City,
NT 0800 Australia
16 May 2025