Matt Lane appointed CEO.

National construction and fitout company Unita has announced the appointment of Matt Lane as Chief Executive Officer, following the leadership handover from Founder and outgoing CEO, Robert Rowe.

The move signals a new chapter for the business, which has grown from a one-man startup into one of Australia’s most respected names in fitouts.

Unita operates across the Australian fit-out space including but not limited to retail, hospitality and wellness sectors, delivering award-winning projects for brands including TotalFusion, Club Lime, Supernormal, Zara, Sephora, Grill’d and Uniqlo.

Matt Lane steps into the CEO role after five years as General Manager and 3 years as COO. In that time, he has worked closely with Robert Rowe and the broader executive team to drive national expansion, strengthen internal operations and guide the company through a period of significant growth and transformation.

Matt brings to the role a strong track record of operational leadership, a clear strategic vision, and a deep commitment to Unita’s culture. He said taking on the CEO position was a proud moment in a career built on partnerships and purpose.

“It’s a privilege to lead a business like Unita,” Matt said. “We’ve got a team that’s hungry to keep pushing boundaries and a delivery model that gives us a serious edge. But what really sets us apart is our culture. There’s a sense of pride, loyalty and momentum here that’s hard to replicate – and protecting that will be a significant part of my role moving forward.”

Matt’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Unita, as the business looks to scale further across key sectors while strengthening its internal systems, partnerships and national delivery capability.

“The next phase of growth isn’t just about more projects. It’s about smarter processes, stronger relationships, and delivering real value for clients,” Matt said. “My focus will be on building a business that’s as rewarding to work in as it is to work with – and one that continues to evolve while staying true to the values that got us here.”

Matt first joined Unita after a career spanning large-scale commercial construction and client-side roles. His decision to come on board was driven by the people, culture and opportunity to make a real impact.

“When I joined, I wanted to be part of something I could shape. That’s exactly what I’ve been able to do here, and I’m excited to keep building on that in the years ahead.”

Robert Rowe, who founded Unita in 2004, said appointing Matt as CEO was both a strategic decision and a personal milestone.

“This move isn’t about stepping back. It’s about backing the next generation of leadership, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to take the reins.” Rob said. “Matt has a sharp commercial mind and a genuine passion for the work we do and the people who do it. He leads with empathy, clarity and conviction – qualities that matter just as much as capability.”

Rob will continue to play an active role in the business as Founder, supporting major projects, client partnerships and strategic growth initiatives.

“It’s a big personal shift – but a hugely exciting one,” Rob said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, and even prouder of the team leading it into the future. The business is in great hands.”

Unita’s clients and partners can expect the same commitment to quality, transparency and delivery excellence – underpinned by a renewed energy and a clear direction for what comes next.