Mike Heard has spent his career in Applied Research and Development, Engineering and Management of Manufacturing businesses with the last 20 years spent transforming Codan from a small Adelaide radio manufacturer to one of Australia's great diversified technology products businesses. The high frequency radio, microwave satellite communications and metal detection products and systems are sold throughout the world and compete most successfully with European, United States and Japanese products. Mr Heard has also been instrumental in developing strategies to address a shortage of technical skills in the ICT sector in South Australia.