Management Team

Simon D’Arcy

Managing Director

Program Management Specialist

BE Aero, GradDip RE, MPrjMgt (Cand)

MIEAust, MAIPM, MICW, MAICD

Simon is the Founding Managing Director of PROGRAMspace, a bespoke management consulting firm specialising in program management, business management, and technical project management. With over 35 years of experience across a diverse range of industries – including Aerospace and Defence, Airlines, and Information & Communications Technology (ICT) – Simon is a recognised leader in program and systems engineering management, known for his ability to deliver exceptional results in both government and commercial sectors.

As Managing Director, Simon’s focus is on leading the company in delivering high-quality services to clients while creating rewarding and engaging experiences for the team. With a deep understanding of Program and Business Management, Project Management, Systems Engineering, and Capability Development, Simon has successfully navigated complex projects, from secure ICT infrastructure development to systems integration, testing, customer support, and professional development.

Simon’s reputation is built on a practical, solutions-focused approach, earning him the respect of colleagues, commercial contractors, and military personnel alike. His pragmatic ‘can-do’ attitude has been pivotal in driving successful project outcomes, particularly in high-pressure and highly regulated environments.

A strategic thinker with a commercial mindset, Simon also has a keen interest in business process improvement and optimising operational practices. His strong communication skills and well-developed management style allow him to foster collaboration, guide teams effectively, and improve business strategies that lead to sustainable success.

Maja Karp

Finance Director

Finance & Business Management Specialist

BCom (SA), CA

With over 15 years of experience in accounting and management, Maja serves as the Finance Director at PROGRAMspace, a bespoke consultancy specialising in placing expert consultants into above-the-line contracting roles. As a Chartered Accountant, Maja brings a wealth of expertise in financial operations, strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring legal compliance with regulations including ASIC, WorkCover, and labour hire rules.

Maja is responsible for overseeing project margins, profitability, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and contract reviews. She plays a pivotal role in the company’s overall strategy, constantly seeking ways to improve business performance and drive growth.

Having worked across a diverse range of industries, including heavy equipment, software development, manufacturing, luxury fashion/retail, and education, Maja has developed a versatile skill set that is adaptable to a variety of sectors. Her experience spans across multiple Australian cities – Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney – as well as international exposure in Connecticut, USA.

A true believer in the power of transparency through numbers, Maja is passionate about breaking down complex financial concepts and making them accessible to non-finance professionals. This ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights helps guide the business towards informed decisions and sustainable growth.

Ryan Wielders

Business Operations Manager

Technical and Business Specialist

MBA, GradDipMgmt, AAICD, MAIPM

Ryan is a proactive and results-driven Operations Manager with extensive operational experience in the Defence and national security sectors. Over the course of a distinguished 13-year career with the Royal Australian Navy, followed by a successful professional trajectory, Ryan has honed a diverse skill set and deep knowledge of national security operations, with a particular focus on weapons systems, tactical data networks, radar systems, and workforce planning.

Having served on His Majesty’s Australian Ships and trained with the US Navy,  Ryan’s experience in the field has provided him with unique insights into complex, high-stakes environments. His expertise spans a range of critical areas, from strategic planning and trade development to stakeholder management, where he consistently delivers effective solutions within established timelines.

Ryan’s tenure with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide further underscores his commitment to veterans’ issues, advocating for support and better outcomes for those who have served. As a veteran himself, he brings a personal and dedicated perspective to his work, especially in areas affecting the well-being of military personnel.

Known for his diligence and proven track record in delivering results in fast-paced, evolving environments, Ryan thrives in both generalist and specialist roles. He excels in problem-solving, identifying challenges within business units, and working collaboratively to achieve team outcomes. A trusted and adaptable leader, Ryan is committed to driving operational success and providing critical support in national security operations.

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PROGRAMSpace has unique and specialised experience in the Defence and Engineering industries and is based in Canberra, with footprints in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne to best service these important Australian Government and industry portfolios.