Interactive appoints Alex Coates as new CEO from 2025

Interactive has announced the appointment of Alex Coates as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 28 January 2025.

Alex Coates is set to lead the executive leadership team and will be responsible for driving Interactive’s growth strategy across its Cloud, Cyber, and Systems business units. The company aims to solidify its position as a trusted technology partner in Australia through this new leadership.

Coates, a highly respected leader, brings extensive international experience to her new role. She has a proven track record of fostering growth and spearheading transformation, accompanied by strong customer and partner engagement. Most recently, she served as Managing Director of Datacom Australia, having held the role for over four years. Prior to this, she was the Chief Operating Officer of Datacom’s ANZ operation. Originally from the UK, Coates relocated to Australia with Fujitsu in 2008 and has since managed large-scale operations teams in Canberra and Melbourne within both public and private sectors.

Brendan Fleiter, Chairman of Interactive, expressed his confidence in the new appointment. “I can't think of a more qualified individual to take on the CEO role at Interactive at this time. Alex brings the perfect mix of industry presence, people leadership, customer focus, and cultural alignment,” he stated.

For the past three years, Fleiter has held the dual position of Chairman and Chief Executive. During his tenure, he has strengthened Interactive's market position while nurturing a culture of excellence and collaboration. Upon Coates assuming the role of CEO, Fleiter will continue as Chairman.

Fleiter further commented, “We have ambitious plans for growth and now is the right time to bring in a new CEO to lead Interactive's strategic direction.”

Coates shared her enthusiasm about her new role, stating, “As an organisation with a deep purpose centred around people and customers, I am thrilled to lead Interactive in the next stage of its growth.”

She added, “The DNA of Interactive is core to my strong personal purpose of creating impact for Australian organisations. It is exciting to lead an organisation so well positioned to be able to quickly adjust and deliver on our customers' evolving needs.”