David Cohen joins purpose-driven advisor network of Adara Partners
Australian financial advisory boutique Adara Partners has expanded its network of advisors with David Cohen.
Founded over two decades ago, Adara Partners specialises in advisory services around strategy, transactions, capital raisings, and second opinions. The firm notably operates as a non-profit, with its team members working without recompense in support of the firm’s purposeful mission.
The services of Adara Partners are provided by a team of Panel Members, with David Cohen now becoming the 16th member of the cohort.
“I’m excited to join the Adara Partners team and work alongside some of Australia’s leading corporate advisors,” said Cohen. “It’s a unique opportunity to use my governance and stakeholder engagement skills to advise clients, knowing this work is also touching the lives of people living in poverty. It’s business-for-purpose at its finest.”
Cohen brings over three decades of experience to the role. In his most recent position, he was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) responsible for overseeing business divestments, mergers and acquisitions, operations, and customer services.
Having joined CBA in 2008, Cohen held several senior roles such as Group General Counsel, Group Executive Human Resources, Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Chief Risk Officer. Before his time at the bank, he was General Counsel at AMP and a partner at law firm Allens Arthur Robinson.
“David will be an invaluable addition to our team,” said Audette Exel, Founder and CEO of Adara Partners. “He is one of Australia’s most experienced professionals, particularly in the areas of risk, governance, and stakeholder engagement. His experience dealing with a myriad of regulator and government enquiries during his career, including the Hayne Royal Commission, is a testament to this.”
“His experience will benefit not only our clients, but also the communities we work alongside in some of the world’s remotest places.”
High-profile examples of Adara Partners’ engagements include working for Blackmores Group on its strategy, governance, takeover defence and successful $1.9 billion acquisition by Kirin, working with AusNet Services on its takeover defence and subsequent $18.2 billion sale, and helping Sydney Airport with securing a $2 billion capital raise.
Other Panel Members include Guy Fowler, Christian Johnston, Andrew Best, Catherine Brenner, and Tim Burroughs.
