We support businesses to make meaningful change & better align with their values & purpose.
About​​
Kennell&Co is privately owned and led by Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) queer woman & lead consultant, Kerry Kennell. Alongside a dedicated team, Kennell&Co delivers across a number of service streams.
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Kennell&Co works through a lens of connection, culture and empowerment. We are passionate about supporting businesses to find innovative ways to do business, their own way.
Our passion lies in the creative industries, and our work is generally focused on the position of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders in contemporary music, however we are not industry-specific. We have clients come through our doors from various industries for strategic planning, business mentorship and more. ​​​
Meet the team​
Kerry Kennell
Founder/Ceo
Kerry Kennell (she/her) is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman with cultural connection to Ugar and Erub islands. She is a company director, artist manager, lawyer, facilitator, and founder of the social enterprise Kennell&Co. Kerry is a former Board Member and Chairperson of Music Victoria 2020-2024, and Board Member of the Association of Artist Managers 2022. A seasoned facilitator, consultant, and lawyer, boasting over 20 years of comprehensive expertise across various industries. Kerry’s professional footprint spans all levels of government, the music and arts sectors, and private enterprise. Kennell & Co, a privately owned company providing business mentoring, business development consultancy, facilitation, artist management, and leadership in the research and evaluation space. Kerry’s key objective is support her community, leading with innovation, vulnerability, and truth. The power of her influence has garnered attention broadly in the Music & Arts sector. Kerry has been invited by organisations including The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) and APRA AMCOS, to participate as a mentor. Kerry’s leadership has been recognised and endorsed by Indigenous Business Australia, Songlines Aboriginal Music, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office, Creative Australia, Music Victoria, Music NSW, and more. Kerry recently received the AAM Community Engagement Award (2024), memorialising the strength of her work, across 20233/2024. Kerry has recently been listed as a finalist for the Australian Women in Music, Music Leadership Award.
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Wagina Kennell
Business Development & Operational Leader
Wagina Kennell (she/her) is a Torres Strait Islander woman with connection to Ugar and Erub islands, currently living and working in Naarm/Melbourne. Wagina has over seven years experience in the public service, wherein she was offered invaluable insight into the relationship between Australia’s most vulnerable people, and the systems designed to support them. Working in operations, leadership, resource development, and investigations within welfare and mental health sectors, she found passion in advocacy. Wagina pursued studies in Criminology & Criminal Justice at Griffith University. Holding qualifications in Government, including a Diploma and a Certificate IV in Government Investigations, she possesses well-developed skills that make her an asset in any professional setting.
Tejo Cruz
Creative Consultant
Tejo D’Cruz (he/him) is a musician, creative consultant, and event curator with a history in live music booking, artist management, and sound tech. He is proud of his Sri Lankan/Indian heritage that provides a key perspective to his work and the culturally diverse focus of his output. With Kennell&Co, Tejo provides creative and admin services to emerging and established First Nations musicians. In 2023 Tejo began his Master’s degree in Music Therapy, hoping through music to further facilitate meaningful service to people with diverse needs.
Ethan Savage
Administrative Assistant/Associate Consultant
Ethan Savage (he/him) is a proud Murri with heritage from the Kaantju and Girramay peoples of Far North Queensland, as well as Badu Island in the Torres Strait. Ethan brings a diverse set of skills including community engagement, project management, marketing and communications. Ethan works across the Kennell & Co portfolio, supporting our administration and artist management activities. With growing experience in community radio and event management, Ethan completed their Master of Arts and Cultural Management in 2023 and awarded the Dean’s Honour. Throughout their studies, Ethan has found a particular interest in amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the music sector and creative industries through both professional and creative pursuits, informing their work with the Kennell & Co team.