The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network has formally appointed Naomi Anstess as its Chief Executive Officer, following a period in which she served in the role on an interim basis.
The appointment was announced by the NTIBN Board on 22 January. In confirming Ms Anstess as CEO, the Board cited her leadership during the interim period and her alignment with the organisation's values and strategic direction.
Ms Anstess is an Erubam Le and Gomeroi woman who was born and raised on Larrakia Country. She brings executive experience across the defence, construction, education, business development and Indigenous affairs sectors. Her background includes senior roles working with government, industry and Aboriginal organisations.
In a statement, the NTIBN Board said Ms Anstess had demonstrated consistent leadership and an ability to guide the organisation through its next phase of work supporting Indigenous businesses in the Northern Territory.
"Having served in an interim capacity, Naomi has consistently demonstrated strong leadership aligned with NTIBN's values and strategic direction," the Board said.
The Board described Ms Anstess as a recognised leader in Indigenous economic development, with a focus on self-determined wealth creation and long-term opportunity for Aboriginal people. It also noted her approach to leadership, which it characterised as values driven and outcomes focused.
According to the Board, her experience and leadership style position NTIBN to continue its work advocating for Indigenous businesses, supporting members, and engaging with government and industry stakeholders.
NTIBN operates as a peak body for Indigenous businesses in the Northern Territory, with a focus on business development, advocacy, networking and policy engagement. The organisation has increasingly positioned itself as a voice for what it describes as the Blak Business Economy, emphasising Aboriginal ownership and participation in the Northern Territory economy.
The Board said it looked forward to working with Ms Anstess as NTIBN continues to strengthen its operations and support Indigenous businesses across the Territory. It also thanked other applicants who had expressed interest in the role.
The appointment follows a period of public engagement in which Ms Anstess has spoken about the importance of accountability, ownership and strong governance within Indigenous economic institutions. As CEO, she will lead NTIBN's strategic direction, operations and stakeholder engagement.
