Jo Masters joins Baidam as new MD

Following an extensive nationwide search, Jack Reis and Pip Jenkinson, co-founders and owners of Baidam, have hired Jo Masters to the newly created role of managing director.

Masters is a proud Ngiyampaa woman who was born and grew up on Mparntwe land. 

She’s acknowledged as an inspirational leader with a proven track record in the IT industry for creating high-performance teams and cultures, and is passionate about customer satisfaction, employee well-being and social initiatives.

Masters fills the management gap left by Reis and Jenkinson’s move into executive director roles. Baidam’s company ownership structure remains unchanged. 

Both Reis and Jenkinson said Masters emerged as a clear successor due to her technical expertise, leadership capability, commercial acumen, and alignment with Baidam’s values and vision.

“Jo was a standout candidate throughout an intensive, competitive recruitment process,” Reis said. 

“She brings over 25 years of global experience and grounded leadership, has successfully grown businesses abroad, managed international and national businesses in challenging environments, and led national operations. 

“She bridges the gap between commercial strategy and cyber capability. Critically, her leadership style aligns perfectly with Baidam’s ethos – purpose-driven, calm under pressure, and motivating.”

Jenkinson said Baidam was built on a foundation of profit-for-purpose, reinvesting over 50 per cent of our annual profits in creating new pathways into employment in the IT sector for Indigenous and First Nations People.

“Jo’s skills will strengthen our ability to scale that vision. At the same time, she’ll be focused on solidifying our role as a key player in Australia’s cybersecurity landscape – leading with capability, customer service, and a clear purpose that sets us apart,” he said. 

Masters was previously the senior VP and GM, hospitality for SoftBrands, CEO of Tquila, VP of partners and international sales for Sertifi, non-executive director of Yirigaa, and a Telstra partner advisory board member and co-chair. 

Masters said she admired Baidam’s journey and the integrity of the co-founders for many years. 

“You only have to spend thirty minutes with Jack and Pip to understand how much they truly care about their social initiatives and how much they contribute to First Nations People. I’ll be putting my heart and soul into leading Baidam and our team,” Masters said. 

“Working for an Australian-owned, multi-award-winning Supply Nation Certified Indigenous IT security partner that provides true social outcomes ticks so many boxes for me personally and professionally.

“It’s a genuine opportunity to apply everything I’ve learned and applied over my career to serve – and give back to our Indigenous communities.”

Jenkinson said both him and Reis will continue working on the national security business, creating innovative and diverse offerings for the local and international markets, and actively championing Baidam’s social impact initiatives at an executive level.

Masters will be based at Baidam’s Sydney office, in Gadigal Country.

Baidam was formed in 2018 by both Reis and Jenkinson and has been recognised for its cybersecurity services and its commitment to profit with purpose. 

Baidam also works with Indigenous and not-for-profit organisations such as Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) and Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services in Far North Queensland.