
Security transformation across a Tier 1 CBD commercial precinct
Challenger delivered a complete security transformation for one of Australia’s most recognised commercial towers, rebuilding the team from zero, going live ahead of schedule and establishing a service culture that matched the prestige of the site.
Rebuilding security operations at a premium commercial site within four weeks
The client operates one of Australia’s most prominent commercial towers in the heart of the CBD. They required not a standard transition of their security, but a complete reset – a new team, a new culture and a meaningful uplift in both security capability and service delivery.
The brief presented a zero-start mobilisation with no inherited workforce, a four-week window from contract award to go-live and the need to balance rigorous security with premium service behaviours across a 24/7 environment.

Structured mobilisation and a purpose-built security team
Challenger activated a 90-day people and operations plan immediately on award. A senior transition manager was deployed to lead the project management office, supported by Challenger’s shared services team across People and Culture, Risk and Governance, Compliance and WHS.
Each security officer was individually selected and interviewed, assessed on security knowledge, operational capability and the service behaviours expected at a premium site. Security services commenced one week ahead of schedule, with a third-party customer service consultant engaged to train the team in service behaviours and body language.
Supporting risk mitigations included:
All activities were tracked and reported in real time, with live updates available to the client and key stakeholders throughout.

A high-performing team, a transformed culture and a renewed client partnership
Challenger mobilised a fully new security team without disrupting site operations and the client formally acknowledged the turnaround in service quality and team culture.
Key outcomes
Staff are now working cohesively under clear leadership, delivering service outcomes that reflect the standard the client expected from day one.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to deliver integrated facility services for all your sites across Australia, our team is ready to support your operations.
Darlene Winston
Chief Financial Officer
Darlene proudly leads Challenger’s growth strategy, focusing on building strong client partnerships and expanding the organisation’s service capability.
As a senior executive with more than 25 years of international leadership experience, Darlene has worked across 13 industry sectors and three continents. Her background spans commercial leadership, risk and assurance, cultural transformation and organisational growth.
At Challenger, Darlene is responsible for driving long-term growth through strategic client partnerships and innovative service models. Her work is to ensure that Challenger’s capabilities are aligned with the evolving needs of our clients while ensuring operational delivery protects both client and company brands.
Darlene is also valued for her thought leadership in organisational culture and transformation. Outside of her executive role, she has lectured in international business and currently serves on two not-for-profit boards.
Allan Mitnovetsky
Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
Allan is Challenger’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and the principal legal advisor to the Board and Executive Leadership Team.
With more than 30 years of legal and management experience, Allan leads Challenger’s national legal and compliance functions and oversees the organisation’s regulatory frameworks and integrated management system.
Allan’s specialist areas include corporate governance, employment law, commercial law and mergers and acquisitions. Before joining Challenger’s leadership team, he spent eight years as a partner at a leading law firm, advising clients on complex commercial and regulatory matters.
Allan has been with Challenger for more than a decade, during which he has played a key role in strengthening the governance and compliance frameworks that support the company’s growth as a national service provider. His leadership approach ensures our clients can rely on strong regulatory oversight and disciplined operational governance.
Param Lally
Chief Financial Officer
Param is Challenger’s Chief Financial Officer, and is responsible for financial governance, planning and performance across our organisation.
As a career finance professional with more than 30 years of experience, Param brings meaningful expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiency and business transformation to our company. His background includes senior roles with major service organisations.
Param oversees financial planning and analysis, payroll, procurement, taxation, treasury management and financial systems within Challenger. His role focuses on strengthening financial performance while supporting sustainable business growth.
Param is skilled in analytical and commercial outcomes, helping leadership teams make informed strategic decisions. He also plays an important role in building high-performing finance teams and strengthening the financial systems that support every aspect of Challenger’s national operations.
Sharne Brennan
Chief People Officer
Sharne leads Challenger’s people, culture and workforce strategy across Australia.
A commercially focused HR executive, Sharne has extensive experience working within complex multi-site service organisations in sectors that include facilities services, hospitality, aged care, disability services and industrial operations. Her career has focused on building organisational strength in environments where workforce performance is critical to service delivery.
At Challenger, Sharne oversees workforce planning, leadership development, employee relations and organisational capability across the business. She works closely with the executive team to ensure people strategy supports on-the-ground operational performance and long-term growth.
Through Sharne’s pragmatic and practical leadership style, she creates environments where employees can confidently develop their skills, contribute effectively and deliver consistent outcomes for clients.
Group General Manager
Thomas oversees operational performance across Challenger, ensuring service delivery remains consistent, efficient and aligned with client expectations.
With more than 25 years of experience across hospitality, food services and facilities operations, Thomas is highly experienced in managing complex service environments across Australia and globally. Before joining Challenger, he held senior operational roles within major hospitality organisations.
Thomas works closely with operations teams and client stakeholders to manage large service contracts and ensure smooth mobilisation and long-term account management. His leadership approach focuses on maintaining high standards of service delivery while continuously improving operational performance.
One of Thomas’ key strengths is his collaborative leadership style. He builds strong working relationships with clients, suppliers and operational teams. His experience across large-scale operations ensures Challenger can deliver reliable service outcomes in complex and high-demand environments.
Danny Cohen
Chief Executive Officer
Danny leads the organisation’s strategy, performance and culture to deliver consistent outcomes for our clients nationwide.
Danny brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across both large Tier 1 contractors and growing service organisations. His career includes senior roles with organisations such as Downer Group, Ventia and Spotless, along with experience scaling businesses across multiple sectors, including emerging technology environments.
At Challenger, Danny is dedicated to strengthening the company’s position as a trusted integrated services partner delivering security, cleaning and hospitality services to major organisations across Australia.
He works closely with clients, employees and partners to ensure Challenger continues to evolve as industry needs change.
Danny is known for his people-first leadership approach, building accountable teams that translate strategy into consistent operational performance.