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Data#3 has announced the retirement of Ray Merlano, General Manager for Queensland and Pacific Islands, closing a chapter spanning more than 27 years with the tech services firm.
Colleagues, partners and industry peers gathered this week to farewell Merlano, who played a central role in the growth and culture of the Queensland operation since joining the company in the late 1990s.
Building Queensland From The Ground Up
Merlano’s career at Data#3 began during the early stages of the Queensland business. Over the decades, he progressed from Account Executive to General Manager, helping shape regional operations through his focus on customer engagement, partner strategy and team leadership.
He was regarded for his focus on long-term relationships and his influence in steering strategic regional partnerships.
“Being a part of Data#3 feels like being part of a family,” said Merlano. “One where striving for excellence and supporting one another go hand in hand. The opportunities I’ve been afforded here have allowed me to not only grow professionally but contribute to the lives of my colleagues, my family and the community. I am deeply grateful for the journey and look forward to cheering on Data#3’s continued success.”
Merlano also took an active role in charity and community engagement initiatives, embedding social contribution into the company’s regional culture.
Leadership Transition
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Brad Colledge, praised Merlano’s legacy.
“Ray leaves behind a legacy defined by strong leadership, integrity and an unwavering focus on customer outcomes,” said Colledge. “His impact on our Queensland business and broader company culture cannot be overstated. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Data#3 confirmed that Rowena Collins has been appointed as the new General Manager for Queensland and Pacific Islands. Collins brings more than 20 years’ experience in the ICT sector, including 13 years at Data#3.
She has held senior roles across services and major accounts, working with commercial and government customers. As part of Data#3’s Queensland Major Accounts Group, she has delivered cross-business outcomes and contributed to major engagements.
The company said her understanding of internal culture, coupled with customer and partner engagement, positions her to lead the region’s next phase of growth.
Background On Data#3
Data#3 reported $2.8 billion in revenue for the 2024 financial year and employs more than 1,400 staff across Australia and Fiji.
The Brisbane-headquartered company provides services across cloud, security, data and analytics, connectivity, and modern workplace solutions. These offerings are supported by consulting, project and managed services practices, alongside partnerships with major global vendors. The company is listed on the ASX under the ticker DTL. More information is available at www.data3.com.au.
Last Updated on August 1, 2025 by Nick Ross
