BERRICK WILSON
CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER
Berrick founded Chain Reaction in 2007 after his first daughter Milla was rushed to hospital with a brain haemorrhage when she was 2 days old. Over the weeks that Berrick and his wife Caroline spent at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the Monash Medical Centre, they benefitted from quality care and attention from all the medical staff. What was obvious from the experience was that even in Australia’s major capital cities, more can be done to help our sick children.
After Milla recovered fully, the experience drove Berrick to do something that would allow people in a similar position to himself to assist sick and hospitalised children. As a result, Chain Reaction was founded.
Berrick is a Partner at KordaMentha and has experience leading high performance teams in a range of large-scale, complex real estate development, investment, asset management and turnaround engagements across Australia and South-East Asia.
Berrick is a real estate professional with strong financial acumen, deep industry knowledge and cross-border experience. With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Berrick is regularly called upon by financiers, developers, corporations, and government departments to assist with their most challenging real estate related issues.
Berrick is passionate about making a difference in our community and encouraging business leaders to contribute while they have an opportunity to influence those around them.
JOHN WARD
DIRECTOR
John has been an instrumental part of the success of Chain Reaction in his role as CEO from 2010–2022. John has overseen the growth of the events into New South Wales and Queensland and the introduction of the first Women’s Ride. Since joining Chain Reaction, John has taken total funds raised from $2.75m to over $37m.
Prior to joining Chain Reaction, John spent 20 years in the funds management industry where he held a variety of senior positions in the product development, sales and marketing and operations divisions of organisations such as AMP, County Investment Management and Orchard Funds Management. John has been in the financial services industry since 1990 and holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics degree from the University of Sydney.
John’s passion for Chain Reaction stems not only from his interest in cycling but also because it allows him to give back to the community. As a father of three children, Chain Reaction’s focus on children’s charities makes it the ideal choice.
ANDREW HAYNE
DIRECTOR
Andrew is a director of Marshall White & Co, Melbourne’s leading residential agency covering the municipalities of Stonnington, Boroondara, Bayside & Port Phillip.
Andrew has participated as a rider in 6 Chain Reaction events and is currently the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Melbourne Chain Reaction Challenge.
The Chain Reaction culture and camaraderie that Andrew has experienced over his previous rides, both on and off the bike, is what keeps him involved along with his desire to raise as much as he can to help make a difference to the lives of sick children and their families.
CHARLES MOORE
DIRECTOR
Charles joined BaptistCare, a leading profit for purpose Aged Care and Community Service provider, in 2020 as CEO. He brings significant experience in property, planning and development and building focused and well-respected Management teams. Prior to joining BaptistCare Charles worked for the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Property NSW and Colonial First State, focusing on creating vibrant and connected places and spaces and optimising returns for investors.
Charles is married to Jane, and together, they have three daughters. He is a keen cyclist and spends early mornings and weekends on the road enjoying the company of other riders and the amazing national parks that surround Sydney. Charles has been involved with Chain Reaction since the first ride held in Sydney in 2012.
MATT O'KEEFE
DIRECTOR
Matt is a corporate restructuring expert who helps companies, lenders, private equity firms and regulators navigate complex, high-stakes situations. He brings that same energy and commitment to the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation — as a director, and as a very mediocre cyclist who has managed to get through 11 challenges since his first in 2014 - thanks to the guidance of the terrific training programs that Chain Reaction offers, of course.
Chain Reaction's purpose and model resonated with Matt from the start: bringing senior executives together to raise vital funds for children in need, push themselves physically and mentally, and build lasting bonds — both personal and professional. As the proud father of three young children, including twins, he has a deeply personal stake in Chain Reaction's mission, and is honoured to help shape the future of an organisation that has made such a difference to kids and families in need.
When he is not pedalling up a climb, he is a Senior Managing Director in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring team at FTI Consulting in Sydney.
DANIELA VAZILLE
DIRECTOR
Daniela is a seasoned B2B marketing leader with more than 25 years of experience driving growth and transformation across global technology organisations. Her career includes 13 years at IBM and the past decade at Everpure (formerly Pure Storage), where she played a key role in the company’s evolution from ambitious start-up to near-market leader. She combines a strong growth mindset with empathy, care and a deep commitment to developing people and communities - values closely aligned with Chain Reaction’s ethos.
Daniela’s connection to Chain Reaction is both professional and deeply personal. Having completed two rides, she has experienced firsthand the camaraderie, resilience and shared purpose that define the Foundation’s community. Those experiences strengthened her desire to contribute beyond participation and help shape the organisation’s next phase of growth.
As a Director, Daniela brings strategic marketing expertise to elevate the Foundation’s visibility, deepen engagement and support sustainable fundraising growth. She is passionate about amplifying rider and beneficiary stories, strengthening corporate partnerships, and championing diversity and inclusion to ensure the community continues to expand in breadth and impact. She is honoured to serve on the Board and contribute to the continued success of an organisation making a tangible difference to children and families across Australia.
SIMON GERRANS
DIRECTOR
Simon is one of Australia’s most accomplished professional cyclists and a respected leader within the global cycling community. Across a 14-year professional career, he achieved success at the highest level of the sport, including stage victories at all three Grand Tours - the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España - along with Monument wins at Milan–San Remo and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Renowned for his tactical intelligence, resilience and ability to unite teams around a shared goal, Simon proudly represented Australia at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships.
Simon’s connection with the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation began in 2010 when he spoke at a business luncheon and soon after became an ambassador. Since then, he has hosted training camps - including sessions up Mt Buller - joined training rides, and regularly donated his corporate speaking fees to support the Foundation’s mission. His long-standing involvement reflects a deep commitment to using cycling as a vehicle for meaningful impact.
Following his racing career, Simon completed an internship and worked with Goldman Sachs in London, building strong commercial and governance expertise. He now serves as a cycling commentator with SBS and is the owner-operator of Hendry’s. As a Director, Simon brings elite sporting insight, corporate experience and a genuine belief in the power of community to create lasting change for children and families in need.
