Board of Directors

Informed by over 100 years of combined experience in financial services and technology, the Butn team has the knowledge and experience to power your business further with our clever funding solutions.

Co-Founder, Joint CEO and Exec. Director

Rael Ross profile picture

Rael Ross

Rael co-founded the Group and was appointed Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer of Butn in September 2020.

Understanding the need for technology to enable financing and digital distribution as companies seek access to finance, he co-founded Butn with Walter Rapoport. With over 15 years' experience in financial services, technology and mentoring other start-ups, Rael has driven the establishment of the Butn fintech solution.

Rael has created, developed and executed technology and digital projects through several start-ups. Rael co-founded Tsikot.com, one of the leading online automotive platforms and the largest online automotive forum in the Philippines.

As a qualified accountant, Rael has worked in private practice, the Not-for-Profit sector and for Big 4 firms.Rael was awarded a full scholarship at Monash University, where he completed a Bachelor of Accounting. In 2020, Rael was awarded Australian Young Entrepreneur across multiple categories.

Co-Founder, Joint CEO and Exec. Director

Water Rapaport  profile picture

Walter Rapoport

Walter co-founded the Group and was appointed Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer of Butn in September 2020.

His career spans economics research and more than 25 years as the founder and CEO of a knitwear manufacturing company supplying Australia’s largest retailers, including a period as a licensee to Pierre Cardin.

Understanding the importance for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to have access to cash flow and capital, he co-founded Butn with Rael Ross.

Walter has a proven ability to lead high performing teams throughout his career in manufacturing, finance, sales and marketing.

He has vast experience in identifying, developing, and executing innovative receivables funding solutions and adapting products to digital transformations.

Mr Rapoport serves as Chairman of the Multicultural Chambers of Commerce Group and Chairs the Grampians Regional Advisory Council.

Walter graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Economics.

Non-Exec. Chairperson

Suzanne Ewart  profile picture

Suzanne Ewart

A Director and business adviser with a strong background in treasury, finance and strategy.

Previously with Fosters’ Group, NAB, Telstra, BTR, Pacific Dunlop, and Woodside PetroleumCurrently on the Board of Dexus Wholesale Funds and Chairs Bendigo Comm. Bank

Previously Chairman of .au Domain Admin., Box Hill Institute, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and director of Treasury Corp. Victoria and TT Line

Non-Exec. Chairperson

Helen Lea  profile picture

Helen Lea

Helen is an experienced executive having held senior roles in transformation, human resources, talent and performance.

Currently the Chief Employee Experience Officer at MYOB, responsible for a diverse portfolio including Digital, Workplace, People and Corporate Affairs.

Helen has experience in a number of significant Australian and multi-national corporations including Seven Group Holdings, Telstra, UGL and British American Tobacco. She has experience with Remuneration Committees, Superannuation Trusteeship and Technology Risk and was a Director of ITA Co (Independent Telecommunications Adjudicator).

Helen has a Masters Degree in Organisational Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand, is a registered Organisational Psychologist, a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute and a graduate of the AICD.

Non-Exec. Chairperson

Mike Hirst  profile picture

Mike Hirst

Mike is a career banker with extensive experience in retail banking, balance sheet management, financial markets and strategy.

Previously Managing Director of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, director of Colonial First State Investment Managers, Treasury Corporation of Victoria, Barwon Health, and Austraclear.

Currently Deputy Chairman of Racing Victoria and Director of GMHBA and AMCIL

Non-Exec. Chairperson

Gerg Chmiel  profile picture

Georg Chmiel

Georg has 25+ years of experience in the real estate and online industry.

Executive chairman of Juwai IQI Holdings, Chairman of iCar Asia (ASX:ICQ), and Non-executive Director of Centrepoint Alliance (ASX:CAF) and PropTech Group (ASX:PTG).

Previously MD and CEO of iProperty Group, MD of LJ Hooker Group, and CFO at REA Group