Our People
In a dynamic world where change is the norm, we understand our clients need highly capable people who bring fresh perspectives from the combination of different disciplines. To meet ever-changing demands we have established a team of only the best and brightest in their fields. Backed by exceptional, real-life experience, academic rigour and tried and tested methodologies, we work alongside our clients to deliver exceptional solutions and build capability.
What makes us special is our connection to our work and to each other. We work together as a highly agile group, able to adapt to changing needs and priorities. Each of us is energised by new people and new problems.
Craig Appaneal
Craig is the Founder & Director of Openloop Solutions. He specialises in the design and delivery of organisational development solutions to drive higher levels of organisational performance. He has extensive experience leading organisational development and change initiatives within complex and challenging environments. Craig has worked with government agencies, corporations, and professional sports teams.
Craig has provided advisory and consulting services to leaders in the Federal Government (including Department of Defence), ACT Government and professional sport organisations such as the Australian Institute of Sport, Cycling Australia and GreenEDGE Professional Cycling (Team Jayco Alula).
Craig is currently a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University lecturing in I/O Psychology and Organisational Development & Change. He holds a Master’s in Organisational Psychology from Columbia University.
Rob Hills
Rob brings over 25 years of expertise in government, leadership development, and digital learning design. He began his career as a communications analyst in the Royal Australian Air Force before moving to the Australian Federal Police, where he spent 13 years as an Intelligence and Leadership Trainer. In these roles, he delivered leadership and wellbeing programs to agency members and international partners.
Since then, Rob has worked across not-for-profits, private training organisations, local government, and as an independent consultant. He has trained tens of thousands of individuals worldwide, from senior officials to emerging leaders.
Rob specialises in creating blended learning solutions that strengthen capability, resilience, and performance at both individual and organisational levels.
Rob holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration as well as qualifications in Leadership & Management and Vocational Education & Training Design. He is a certified practitioner for HBDI®, Hogan Assessments and organisational coaching (IECL). Rob is the author of The Mindful Leadership Blueprint and the host of The Balanced Leader Podcast.
Marjan Khalidi
Claire Shrewsbury
Claire Shrewsbury specialises in organisational development and performance enhancement. With extensive experience across government, education, and professional services sectors, Claire brings deep expertise in leadership development, organisational design, and strategic transformation.
Prior to joining Openloop Solutions, Claire held senior positions in the higher education and government sectors where she successfully led major transformation programs. Her experience includes developing whole-of-government leadership initiatives, implementing executive mobility schemes, and designing innovative staff development programs in complex organisational environments.
Claire holds a Master of Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne and is certified in the Hogan Assessment Suite and organisational coaching (IECL). She brings a unique blend of academic rigour and practical experience to her role, enabling her to deliver sustainable solutions that enhance organisational performance and leadership capability.
Marjan Khalidi is a Workforce Strategy specialist, change leader, and accomplished HR professional with over 15 years’ experience shaping people, culture, and capability across Australia’s most complex government agencies. Passionate about the future of work, she combines curiosity with an evidence-based approach to deliver integrated workforce solutions that are practical, dynamic, and built to last.
Her career has spanned senior roles across Defence, the ATO, Prime Minister & Cabinet, Industry, Science and Resources, the Australian Financial Security Authority, and Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water. Along the way, Marjan has built a reputation as a trusted, influential, and connected thought leader, valued for her ability to simplify complexity and help agencies deliver impact where it matters most.
Marjan is an accredited Results Trained Coach (NeuroLeadership Institute), holds Mental Health First Aid certification, and has earned a micro-credential in AI Fluency from the University of Sydney Business School. She also holds a Certificate IV in Human Resources (AHRI) and a Certificate IV in Government Project Management, alongside dual degrees in Commerce (Management/International Business) and Asian Studies (Security & Strategic Studies) from the Australian National University.
Sally Dorsett
Sally Dorsett brings over 30 years of experience in human resources across Australia and the UK. With a rich background in people and culture that spans a decade in management consulting, Sally has an exceptional track record in leading large-scale change initiatives and strategic communication programs. Prior to her work in consulting and leading Openloop Solutions, Sally retired from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 2015, having achieved the rank of Group Captain.
Throughout her career, Sally has built a reputation for her expertise in managing complex change processes and delivering innovative solutions in challenging environments. Her change management and strategic communication skills have been crucial in executing successful transformations, particularly within government and private sector organisations. Sally is well-regarded for her ability to bridge theory and practice, combining strategic thinking with practical application to drive positive change. Known for her enthusiasm and strong interpersonal skills, she has been instrumental in ensuring smooth transitions during transformative initiatives, making her a highly respected leader in her field.
Elizabeth Reinhardt
Elizabeth is an anthropologist and management consultant with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, change management, and strategic consulting. She works with government agencies on change programs and internal capability building. Her notable projects include developing change and awareness programs for Aged Care Quality Standards, creating workforce strategies and operating models for AFSA, and designing employee value propositions for ANAO. She has also previously worked with CASG to develop communications, workshop activities for EL1 and 2 officers, insights reporting, and an engagement roadmap in support of a Branch restructure.
Outside of government, Elizabeth has held positions at ANU as a Research Assistant studying the social impacts of climate change and has been published in The Australian Journal of Anthropology.
Her background combines strong analytical and research skills from her Master of Anthropology with practical business acumen, enabling her to take an evidence-based approach to change management and strategic decision-making.