Merlene Hodgson
Director, Finance and Administration Manager Paladin Corporation
Exec Dip Pitman
Merlene is a sought-after business leader and coach who wears many hats in the business world. She has extensive experience in a variety of industries in Australia and internationally. Merlene is the Managing Director of Paladin’s Fernwood Women’s Health Club in Canberra and at our Head Office she is responsible for the development of accounting and operational systems pertaining to the Paladin Group. With a desire to see people succeed and a strong ethical compass, she directs the team with wise leadership.
Dave Bugler
Director of MacroLend Pty Ltd, FundPro Pty Ltd, Paladin Coal International Ltd and Paladin Acquisition Fund Ltd
With a career spanning more than four decades across multiple industries and continents, David brings extensive technical, operational, and leadership expertise to the board. His professional journey began with military service in the Rhodesian SAS before moving into commercial diving and hyperbaric medicine, gaining international qualifications and experience across the UK, USA, and South East Asia. He later transitioned into non-destructive testing, farming, and ultimately built a highly successful career in electronic security systems, fencing, and access automation.
Over the past 30 years, David has founded, managed, and grown businesses in both Southern Africa and Australia. Drawing on his diverse international experience, David offers a unique combination of technical knowledge, business leadership, and hands-on operational capability. His breadth of expertise, coupled with proven success in building and sustaining companies, makes him a valuable contributor to strategic growth and organisational resilience.
David’s association with Dave Hodgson dates back to their school and sporting days and has evolved into a long-standing professional connection with their paths crossing many times over the years. Having served together in the SAS, they later worked for the same Singapore-based diving company before both settling in the same town in Australia.
David has been investing with the Paladin group since 2004/5; this professional relationship has been built on trust, experience, and shared professional values.
Trevor Thomson
Credit Analyst and Assessor
Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management
Certificate IV in Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking)
Member of MFAA
Member of AFCA
Trevor is an experienced Credit Analyst and a high-level Mortgage Broker who has worked in the Banking and Finance industry since 1978. As a former Credit Coach he applies his substantial lending background and knowledge to assist clients in obtaining finance for residential, investment, and commercial ventures. He is a quiet achiever with outstanding tenacity and earnest loyalty to our clients.
Elise Stott
Administration Officer
Elise specializes in Administration for the Paladin Group. She is highly competent and efficient in all admin tasks, with a particular gifting in creative design. Elise’s can-do attitude and tender-hearted nature make her an integral part of the company.