The Melbourne Foundation board consists of young, like-minded professionals. Together the board brings experience across management consulting, investment banking and corporate and small business management.

Michael Cotton – Chairman

Michael is a founding member of the Foundation, being a director since 2006

Michael currently works at WINconnect as Executive General Manager – Commercial responsible for Strategy, M&A and partnerships. Prior to WINconnect he worked in a similar role for three years at Mayne Pharma. Prior to Mayne Pharma Michael worked in management consulting and investment banking for over 10 years in Melbourne, London and Hong Kong for LEK Consulting, ABN Amro and Credit Suisse.

Michael studied at the University of Melbourne and achieved a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours).

Adrian Dark

Adrian is a founding member of the Foundation, being a director since 2006.

Adrian currently works as head of the property and infrastructure research team for Citi in Melbourne. He previously worked at Credit Suisse in Sydney in property research and derivatives trading.

Adrian studied at the University of Melbourne, and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws.

Sam Marks

Sam Marks

Sam has been a director since 2013.

Sam is the Managing Director of the Early Stage Venture Group a business working on developing and growing companies in Australia. Prior to this role Sam was the Managing Director of an ASX Listed energy efficiency company bringing extensive corporate experience and governance to the Foundation.

Sam has over 20 years of global commercial experience with General Electric, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Arthur Andersen and various early stage start-ups.

Sam is a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Business from RMIT University.