Managing Director

Robert Buck

MBA, GAICD, MCSE   

As Founder and Managing Director of Diamond IT, Robert is a successful business owner with a passion for business and technology.  

Robert founded Diamond IT in the mid-nineties whilst studying computer engineering and working full-time as a computer technician, after noticing a need for a higher level of customer service in the market.  

His primary focus within the technology sector includes helping businesses create efficiencies and improve their customer experience, in order to succeed. Technology can be a complex area, but Robert is pleased to see that technology continues to provide greater benefits to organisations and also that these advantages have become more accessible to smaller businesses.   

Today, Robert’s time is spent working on and in Diamond IT to create the best possible offering for our customers. “I’m most passionate about the fantastic company staff culture we have at Diamond and the high level of customer satisfaction our staff’s passion results in. I think it’s fair to say though, that my obsession is Total Quality Management and continually improving processes to help us create as much value for customers as possible.”

In 2017, Robert was appointed to the Board of the Samaritans Foundation, a position he held for three years. After a restructure, he continued as a Director of the entire Newcastle Anglican Corporation (NAC), overseeing Samaritans, Anglican Care and 4 schools, where he served until 2021. He is also qualified with an MBA with Merit, as well as a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Director

Martin Thurgate

BAppSci, MCSE   

With nearly 30 years’ experience in the IT industry, Martin proudly holds the position of director and equal owner of Diamond IT after joining the business in 1998.

His mix of both technical knowledge and business acumen makes Martin one of the leading IT experts in the region, with unique skills in helping businesses understand the benefits that a strategic technology partnership can deliver.

His vast industry experience and sound knowledge of cyber security and cloud solutions allow him to craft technology solutions that support business objectives.

“Martin is most passionate about helping other businesses harness the agility, productivity, and security that modern technology offers, and sharing his experience to help them gain a competitive advantage.”

Executive Manager - Operations

David Howdle

BTech, ITIL

David helps businesses turn complex technology, operational and security requirements into clear priorities and practical improvements. As a business-facing technology leader, his experience spans IT operations, service delivery, information security, governance, risk and compliance (GRC), business improvement, applications and infrastructure.

From improving service delivery to leading organisations through ISO 27001 certification, his focus is on making technology and governance work for the business and the people who put them into practice.

His approach is pragmatic and stakeholder-focused: understanding what matters, working through the trade-offs, and balancing reliable operations, security and risk with longer-term business goals.

“I have a passion for technology and the customer experience and thrive in people-driven leadership roles where I can enable individuals, teams and organisations to achieve their goals.”

Head of People & Culture

Brooke Jackson

BA, CIM

Brooke, the Head of People & Culture at Diamond IT, possesses a deep passion for both technology and the individuals collaborating with it.

Her primary areas of expertise encompass Talent Oversight, Human Resources Consultation, Procurement, Management of Disciplinary & Grievance Protocols, and Fostering Employee Engagement.

With a keen eye for cultivating a positive work environment, Brooke’s leadership enhances not only employee satisfaction but also the overall synergy of Diamond IT’s teams.

On a daily basis, Brooke is dedicated to ensuring that every staff member feels appreciated within their positions and within the entirety of the organisation.

Head of Infrastructure and Security Solutions

Chris Cox

MCSE: Comm, HP ASE:SSA, NSE4, CertIV TAE   

With a career spanning over 20 years in the IT industry, Chris is a technical leader who lives and breathes technology. With numerous industry certifications from major vendors such as Microsoft, Fortinet and HPE, Chris’ technical aptitude and knowledge of SMB IT environments have allowed him to stay at the forefront of new and emerging technologies.  

World-class knowledge in High-Performance Computing (HPC), Cloud Computing (Including Office 365, Enterprise Voice, and Azure), Software Defined Networking, Hyperconverged Virtualisation platforms and more allows Chris to lead a large team of highly skilled technicians in an ever-changing technological landscape.

This knowledge combined with a wealth of experience across several industries has assisted Diamond IT customers in leveraging a range of technologies to provide highly robust, reliable and secure systems that underpin their business activities. 

Head of Marketing

Samantha Cordell

BA, CIM, PGradDipMkt   

Samantha (Sam) is a results‑oriented, strategic marketing manager with over 25 years of international experience across marketing communications, public relations, event management, and program and business development within the IT & Telecommunications and FMCG industries.

As an integral part of the Diamond IT management team, Sam works across the business, partnering closely with leadership, technical teams and customer‑facing stakeholders to support strategy, strengthen positioning and ensure consistent, high‑quality communication across all touchpoints. She operates with an energetic and pragmatic style, combining strong attention to detail with the ability to build trusted relationships and translate complex ideas into clear, purposeful messaging.

Sam brings a commercially minded approach to her role, aligning creative and strategic initiatives with business objectives while optimising resources and budget to deliver measurable outcomes.

“My goal is to stay challenged in my role and to enjoy what I do while working for a dynamic company that is a leader in their industry.”