Joe Foster

Associate Consultant

Joe FosterJoe Foster has had a long association with Dattner Grant and is a highly sought-after consultant. Joe is an experienced senior executive/CEO and Director with an impressive track record of developing successful businesses and teams in the global paper, petrochemical and contract stationery industries.

Joe relocated to Australia in 1993 from his native USA as Managing Director for Huntsman Chemical Company Australia. HCCA, a 50/50 joint venture between Kerry Packer's CPH and the Huntsman Chemical Company in the US, is Australia's second-largest petrochemical operation. The business consists of eight locations, 750 people and revenue in excess of $300 million.

In 1997, Joe moved to Corporate Express Australia as Managing Director/CEO. Corporate Express is Australia's largest supplier of office products and computer consumables to the corporate sector with revenue in excess of $700m and 300 employees. CEA is a publicly listed company.

In 2001, Joe was appointed the Managing Director for the Edwards Dunlop Group. EDG is Australia and New Zealand's second-largest paper merchant group with a 25% market share in both countries. The business consists of eleven locations, 360 employees and revenue in excess of $350 million.

Joe then worked as senior associate for Dattner Grant for 12 months before heading to Queensland to head up Swanbank Paper, a $1,200m coated fine paper mill - a Greenfield initiative.  

In 2004, Joe headed up a team to develop and build Swanbank Paper, a $1200 million coated fine paper mill.

In addition to a successful track record of running large, complex manufacturing and logistical/distribution businesses, Joe brings particular expertise in the areas of strategic analysis, culture alignment with strategy, leadership development and executive coaching. Joe became an Australian citizen in 2000.

Qualifications, Accreditations and Memberships

  • Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors 
  • Neuro Linguistic Programming - Master Practioner 
  • Accredited as a Neuro Power Practitioner
  • Accredited in Myers-Briggs Typology Index
  • Accredited in the administration of Spiral Dynamics
  • Accredited in the administration of the 4Mat Learning System: Learning Type Measure
  • Fellow, Australian Institute of Management
  • Non-executive director, Charles Parsons Pty Ltd
  • Executive Committee of the Queensland Private Enterprise Council
  • Allocation and Investment Committee of the Mater Foundation
  • Board of Directors and President of the National Paper Council
  • Board of Directors and Chairman of the National Polystyrene Recycling Company
  • Board of Directors, Chemical Division, PACIA

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Team Relationships Developing Leaders Purpose Values Strategy
Testimonial Start Dattner Grant is far and away the most constructive management/leadership consulting firm I have worked with.Testimonial End Sustainable Regional Australia
Testimonial Start Really appreciate the contribution of the Dattner Grant team in both preparing for, and delivering the program – it addressed the exact needs of the group in a timely and effective way. Thank you.Testimonial End Benevolent Society
Testimonial Start Jim, Fabian and the rest of their team create a unique approach to leadership development. Their content and facilitation is second to none and we are proud of our association with them.Testimonial End General Mills Australia & New Zealand
Testimonial Start ...the group was highly engaged via your excellent facilitation, your knowledge of the subject matter and MWH and, YOUR passion for OUR purpose.Testimonial End MWH
Testimonial Start Dattner Grant has played a critical role in understanding, coaching and inspiring our leaders. The commitment of Fabian and Marshall – to both me personally and to the vision of the organisation – has been exceptional. I encourage any organisation which is seeking to harness the best of its talent, and have the greatest impact, to seriously consider partnering with Dattner Grant as you continue on your leadership journey.Testimonial End The Foundation for Young Australians
Testimonial Start Dattner Grant facilitators have the ability to understand our business and the development needs of our people that has been unmatched by other service providers. They have gone beyond expectations on many occasions in a way that demonstrates real commitment to the purpose and vision of Aurora.Testimonial End Aurora Energy