About our team

Our management team collectively has over 180 years of industry experience in providing unparalleled service on a commercial scale. Our proven and precise systems of implementation, management and delivery means our team is well equipped to help government and private facilities achieve outstanding results. By recognising, rewarding and empowering our staff we are able to continually outperform our clients’ expectations.
 Vadim Gurevich

Vadim Gurevich

Managing Director

Vadim has 24 years of industry experience having started Challenger from a two-employee enterprise with a single cleaning contract. With a proven track record of managing and growing the business to the size it is today, including the expansion of the three key divisions (Hospitality, Commercial and Food & Beverage), associated change management and client relationships.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Economics, Diploma in Business Management, Australian Certified Cleaning Contractor, Senior First Aid Certificate
Thomas Beissert

Thomas Beissert

General Manager of Operations

Thomas has over 20 years of experience across the hospitality, food and beverage and the cleaning industry both in Australia and internationally.His impressive and diverse career has seen him hold positions such as Chief Steward at Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Munich, and Executive Chef of the Urban Purveyor Group where he was responsible for a portfolio of numerous high risk and large-scale food and beverage operations. Thomas oversees all operational aspects of Challenger, he is an exceptional leader and key advisor to the Managing Director.Qualifications: Master Trade Qualification Commercial Cookery, Food & Beverage Management Traineeship with Kempinski Hotels, Certificate 4 Training & Assessment, Certificate 4 WH&S, Silver Maintenance by HEPP Germany, First Aid

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Cory Heuston-Richardson

Cory Heuston-Richardson

National HR Manager

Cory has a comprehensive history in workplace relations and management across diverse market segments.He is a member of CAHRI and has 15 years’ experience, providing Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations advice and support to small, medium, and large businesses to ensure compliance with legislation. Cory leads Challenger’s Human Resources Department overseeing, industrial relations, workers compensation, occupational health and safety, remuneration and staffing functions. Cory’s chief concern is to cultivate a high-performance culture that attracts and retains the best talent in the market. Qualifications: Bachelor of Business, Human Resources Management

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Nikki Gurevich

Nikki Gurevich

Business Systems Manager

Nikki is a founding member of Challenger, with over 22 years of experience in managing business systems, processes and standards within the organisation.Nikki was responsible for the implementation of Challenger’s ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System (QMS) and is also responsible for managing the system on a day to day basis. In addition to maintaining our QMS, Nikki oversees our Quality Tools, IT Systems, WH&S and Environmental Management Systems with tremendous precision.Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts

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Salvatore Manzoni

Salvatore Manzoni

Chief Estimator

Salvatore has 25 years’ experience in the cleaning and property services industry. Prior to his tenure at Challenger, he held senior positions at multi-national facilities management organisations, participating in many successful tender bids across various market segments. Salvatore is responsible for the management of the bid costing process at Challenger, developing and preparing cost estimates for all projects and services. His wealth of industry experience and expertise ensures our clients receive efficient, innovative and cost-effective service solutions.Qualifications: Diploma in Accounting

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Allan Mitnovetsky

Allan Mitnovetsky

General Manager Queensland

Allan has extensive management and legal experience built on 18 years as a senior manager and commercial lawyer.Allan’s experience includes eight years as a partner at a leading Queensland law firm, which involved Allan overseeing large commercial transactions in Australia and internationally, simultaneously managing teams of professional and administrative staff and assisting clients to achieve their commercial objectives. Allan is a member of the company’s senior leadership team and has the dual function of managing operations throughout Queensland and being the General Legal Counsel for Challenger Services.Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Law, Legal Practitioners Admission Board, Post Graduate Diploma in Australian Immigration Law & Practice, Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Practice Management Course. Allan is on the register of Legal Practitioners in NSW, QLD and the High Court of Australia.

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Ian Langley

Ian Langley

General Manager Victoria

Ian is responsible for the day to day management and control of all Challenger’s operations in Victoria.He has over 25 years of experience within the security and commercial cleaning market. With an excellent eye for detail and outstanding customer service skills, Ian ensures the highest customer satisfaction targets, commercial imperatives and key performance objectives are met and maintained. Qualifications: Risk Analysis Manned Guarding, Close Protection Officer, Special Security Level 3, Level 2 Award in Security Guarding Static and Patrol, NEBS Management Certificate, Education to Promotion to Senior Non-commissioned Officer

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