Fred Williams
Co-Founder, former Director and Chairman, CVA
FRED Williams is the co–founder of Challenger Valves & Actuators, an Australian–owned industrial valve manufacturing and automation business headquartered in Shepparton. Since co-founding the company in 1984, Fred has played a pivotal role in guiding its evolution from a small importer of pumps and pressure vessels into a nationally recognised provider of engineered valve and actuation solutions for critical infrastructure.
Known for his practical leadership style and strong commitment to people and relationships, Fred helped steer key strategic shifts, including the transition to valve manufacturing, local assembly, testing and compliance with Australian standards. Under his leadership, the business expanded its product range, consolidated multiple operating entities and established the Challenger brand as a trusted name across the water, irrigation, mining, power generation and fire protection sectors.
Since its founding in 1984, the long–term vision of Challenger Valves & Actuators has centred on sustainable growth through continuous reinvestment, innovation and a strong commitment to the Australian industrial market. This commitment was reinforced through the company’s major investment in a purpose–built Shepparton facility, ensuring Challenger is well positioned for future growth and long–term success for the next generation.
Fred remains driven by simple principles: build a strong business, support customers, value people and strive to be the market leader.
“Our aim is to be number one in Australia. We focus on doing things others don’t, investing in our customers and backing them long after the sale. Our team is relentless with follow–up, always checking in and asking what else customers need. That level of service is rare and it’s why clients stay with us. Major suppliers take notice because of what we offer in both product and service, and the sky is the limit.”
Kelvin Williams
General Manager, CVA
KELVIN Williams is the General Manager of Challenger Valves and Actuators (CVA), leading the family–owned Shepparton manufacturer through its next phase of growth. As the son of co-founder and former Chairman Fred Williams, Kelvin represents the second generation of leadership, bringing together deep operational experience and a strong commitment to the values that define Challenger: service, reliability and enduring customer relationships.
Having grown up around the business, Kelvin developed an early understanding of manufacturing, customer needs and the importance of local industry. After leaving school, he began working in manufacturing before completing a mechanical apprenticeship.
After working in the Western Australian mining sector and at a Toyota dealership in Queensland, before venturing into small business, Kelvin returned to Challenger 13 years ago, where he worked his way through nearly every area of the operation, starting again on the factory floor as a labourer.
As General Manager, Kelvin has driven improvements in operational efficiency and customer responsiveness, expanded the sales team and overseen the business’s largest investment to date with the construction of a purpose–built 3,800m2 manufacturing facility in Shepparton, reinforcing Challenger’s commitment to regional manufacturing and positioning the business for long–term growth.
Rocky Varapodio
Chairman, CVA
ROCKY joined the board of CVA in late 2022, following a long-standing connection to the business through his father Santo, who was both a shareholder and board member. Within six months of his appointment, he stepped into the role of Chairman, bringing with him decades of experience in business ownership, growth and strategic leadership.
Having previously built and sold his own successful enterprise in the horticulture sector, Rocky offers a practical, measured approach to leadership. His role at CVA is primarily strategic, working closely with General Manager Kelvin to support high-level decision-making, guide long-term growth and ensure strong operational oversight.
Rocky played a key leadership role in the development of CVA’s new purpose-built facility, helping to drive one of the most significant investments in the company’s history. He remains actively involved in major strategic initiatives, including supplier partnerships, expansion opportunities and business structuring.
While not involved in day-to-day operations, Rocky provides ongoing mentorship and support to the leadership team, with a focus on sustainability, succession planning and maintaining a strong company culture.
Deeply connected to CVA’s journey, Rocky is proud to contribute to a business he has seen evolve over many years—and is optimistic about its future trajectory.
Peter Jacobson
Board Member, CVA
Peter Jacobson is a Board Member of Challenger Valves & Actuators (CVA), bringing deep local business insight and a family legacy closely connected to the region’s industrial and transport history. His association with CVA stems from his father, Eric Jacobson’s early involvement as an associate and inaugural board member, establishing a long-standing relationship with the business.
Appointed to the Board in 2016, Peter has played an active role in guiding CVA’s strategic direction, including the delivery of the company’s new state-of-the-art Wheeler Street manufacturing facility in Shepparton, opened in March 2026.
Peter is a strong advocate for respecting CVA’s legacy while supporting innovation, new systems and capabilities that enable sustainable, long-term growth. He believes multi-generational leadership provides critical balance between experience and fresh thinking, ensuring continuity while embracing change.
With experience operating his own business and serving on multiple boards, Peter contributes strategic oversight, risk awareness and practical guidance to management. He continues to support capability development, site expansion and positioning CVA as a leading valve supplier in Australia.
David Heenan
Senior Project Coordinator, CVA
DAVID Heenan is the Senior Project Coordinator at Challenger Valves and Actuators (CVA) and a long–serving, highly respected member of the organisation. Having worked his way up from the ground level, David brings a deep, practical understanding of CVA’s products, operations and customer requirements, built through years of hands–on experience and commitment to the business.
In his role, David is responsible for managing overseas procurement and supplier relationships, including coordinating international ordering and travelling with General Manager Kelvin Williams to inspect international factories. His involvement plays a key role in ensuring product quality, consistency and supply reliability across CVA’s range. As Kelvin Williams said, “He’s awesome.”
A highly driven and self–motivated professional, David has consistently taken ownership of learning the more complex technical and operational aspects of his role. He has developed strong technical knowledge through practical application and he enjoys the challenge of working through detailed product requirements to deliver effective, workable solutions for customers, building CVA’s reputation across the water, irrigation, fire and infrastructure sectors whether they be in Cairns or Tasmania or anywhere in between.
