Fiona Rowan, CFO at APCO Service Stations Pty Ltd, was drawn to the retail and fuel industry for its fast-paced, people-focused, and constantly evolving nature.
As a registered accountant, Rowan initially entered the industry through operational and finance roles. Still, what kept her there was the opportunity to work in a business where she could see the direct impact of her work on customers, teams, and communities.
“Being involved in an essential, everyday service gave the work real purpose from the outset, and I quickly felt part of the strong family culture at APCO,” said Rowan, who joined APCO in 2000.
Rowan has been fortunate to grow her career within the business for more than two decades. During that time, she worked across a range of finance and operational roles, gaining a deep understanding of the business from the ground up. This experience ultimately led to her current role as Chief Financial Officer.
One of the biggest highlights has been growing alongside APCO and contributing to its long-term success while remaining true to its values. She was proud of the leadership team and the opportunities for people to develop their careers. Supporting the work of the APCO Foundation has also been particularly meaningful.
Rowan was fortunate to work alongside many talented and generous leaders throughout her career, both within APCO and across the industry. She has learned that the best leaders balance people and purpose with commercial insight, making thoughtful decisions while supporting their teams to succeed.
As a registered accountant, she especially valued leaders who combined sound financial decision-making with a people-first approach.
“The advice I’d give to anyone entering the industry is to stay curious, ask questions, and back yourself. Confidence comes from experience, not perfection. I’d also remind myself that career paths aren’t always linear, and that growth often comes from challenges that stretch you beyond your comfort zone.”
She remains motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a thriving future for APCO, its people, and the communities.
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