Back in 2023, former UPco Managing Director Amanda Ring shared news of our leadership team restructure and what went on behind the scenes to keep fresh energy, new ideas and a future focus in our business. As part of that strategy, we introduced 5 new partners as Associate Directors. And today, we channel in the next era of this plan by welcoming 2 new Associate Directors to the UPco leadership team: Anna Thang and Holly McFall.

Our leadership team is made up of people who joined UPco early on in their careers and those who have come in at a more senior level. With both Anna and Holly having been with us from the beginning of their planning careers, they have seen UPco through many successful projects, evolutions, years – and even office moves!

“I came on board straight out of uni,” recalls Holly. “It just clicked. I knew I wanted to be part of a business that meaningfully invests in people and professional growth. When you get the best out of your team, you get the best for your clients.”

Aside from their similar and steady upward trajectories within UPco, both Anna and Holly bring diverse attributes and skillsets. After completing architectural studies before pivoting into planning, Anna approaches projects with keen analytical skills, meticulous technical detail and calm patience – and she’s almost always involved in the most beautiful projects.

Meanwhile, Holly has always shown an incredible community focus, with continued industry involvement and a dedication to building and nurturing relationships that benefits our team, industry and project partners. “I find the planning world interesting and exciting (who doesn’t love checking the government gazette every morning?). But a key reason that drew me to this career was the people you work with and for.”

Beyond continuing to see their well-refined approaches to planning and service delivery in action, we’re now looking forward to welcoming the way Anna and Holly will contribute their unique strengths and insights – in the boardroom and beyond.

While Holly is ready to serve as an Associate Director straight away, Anna’s Victorian and South Australian clients and team can look forward to welcoming her in her new role when she returns from parental leave mid-2027.

Congratulations on this well-deserved leap into leadership, Anna and Holly! If Anna’s and Holly’s stories piqued your interest in the pathway towards partnership, check out Amanda Ring’s advice and insights on what it takes to have equity stakes in a business.

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