Di Mantell began her career as a Registered Nurse, quickly rising through the ranks to become the Nurse Unit Manager of the Intensive Care Unit in Wagga Wagga, NSW, at just 23 years old. This early leadership role ignited her passion for leading teams and driving change in healthcare. Over the years, she held various leadership positions, including Health Service Manager in Tumut, NSW, Executive Director of Nursing in Kalgoorlie, WA and Acting Executive Director Workforce WA Health to now being the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company. These roles provided her with invaluable experience in hospital operations, governance, and leadership. At EliteX, we are proud to have Di Mantell as part of the edition: 10 Elite Businesswomen in Australia, 2025.
Di Mantell | CEO | Celsus
Her transition into healthcare infrastructure and business leadership was driven by a deep desire to improve not only patient care but also the systems and infrastructure that support it. This journey led her to the role of General Manager Facilities Management at the Fiona Stanley Hospital Project in Western Australia, a significant step that eventually brought her to Celsus. Now, as CEO Celsus, Di is accountable for the hospital infrastructure and non-clinical service delivery at South Australia’s largest public-private partnership, the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), Di focuses on strategic innovation, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and governance within a Public-Private Partnership framework. She has always been drawn to solving complex challenges, and the healthcare and infrastructure industries provide a platform for her leadership and innovation. The opportunity to lead a project as significant as the RAH, while also influencing sustainable infrastructure, has been the perfect fit for her career aspirations. Her work allows her to make a meaningful impact enabling healthcare delivery and infrastructure sustainability.
“Growth happens when you take the leap.”
Navigating the complexities of public-private partnerships has been one of the biggest challenges in her career.
Di reports to a Board of investor securityholders and a consortium of 15 financiers all of whom have significant social infrastructure experience, having invested in hospitals and PPPs worldwide and ensure the project delivers the State’s long-term objectives. Di is supported by an amazing team that enable us to collectively deliver amazing outcomes for the RAH project.
Balancing financial sustainability with delivering world-class healthcare requires strong governance, strategic decision-making, and a dedicated team that shares a common vision. By fostering collaboration and ensuring accountability, she has been able to overcome these challenges successfully.
Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is always a challenge, but she prioritizes the things that keep her grounded. Whether it is watching netball, cheering on the Perth Wildcats and Geelong Cats, or spending time with her dog, Horatio, she ensures that she takes time for herself. Prioritization is key, and she focuses on what truly matters each day to maintain a well-rounded life.
A pivotal moment in her career was taking on a leadership role with Celsus on the new Royal Adelaide Hospital project. This decision provided her with the platform to push the boundaries of healthcare infrastructure, sustainability, and financial innovation, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Her role at Celsus at the RAH has allowed her to drive meaningful change and influence the future of healthcare infrastructure. For young women aspiring to start their own businesses, her advice is to believe in themselves and seek mentors who challenge, support, and help them grow. She emphasizes the importance of being brave, taking calculated risks, and never underestimating one’s ability to lead. Leadership is about stepping out of one’s comfort zone and seizing opportunities.
She stays motivated by witnessing the tangible impact of her work. Whether it is achieving sustainability milestones, mentoring future leaders, or ensuring hospital infrastructure meets the highest standards, progress is what keeps her going. The ability to make a difference in people’s lives through her work fuels her passion and drive.
“Balancing financial sustainability with world-class healthcare requires strong governance and vision.”
Key skills that every businesswoman should possess include resilience, strategic thinking, leadership and influence, and financial acumen. Business is filled with challenges, and resilience is crucial in adapting to change. Strategic thinking helps in understanding the bigger picture, while strong leadership and influence are essential for inspiring teams and building partnerships. Financial acumen ensures a solid understanding of the numbers driving a business, enabling informed decision-making.
As a woman in leadership within the infrastructure and finance sectors, she has faced gender-related challenges. Biases still exist, but her approach has been to stay focused, build credibility through results, and advocate for other women in leadership roles. Now Di has recently been appointed to the Silverchain Group Board a further opportunity to give back to the community. Di is committed to mentoring and supporting women on boards and in executive positions, working towards greater representation and equality. A strong and successful leader, in her view, embodies kindness, empowers others, drives innovation, makes tough decisions, and leads with integrity. Kindness, empathy and compassion are essential in supporting teams, while empowering others ensures collective success. Innovation is crucial in improving and evolving business practices, and strong leaders must be willing to make difficult decisions. Above all, integrity and authenticity are key, as reputation is everything in leadership.
Technology has significantly transformed the healthcare infrastructure industry. Data-driven decision-making and energy-efficient hospital designs have revolutionized how hospitals operate. At Celsus, Di leads efforts to leverage sustainable technology, such as smart energy systems, electric vehicle charging, and water recycling initiatives, to reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare infrastructure, and partnering with likeminded organizations and key subcontractors to highlight and implement innovation. One of her proudest career moments was securing the world’s largest sustainability loan globally in healthcare, valued at A$2.12 billion. This achievement, along with receiving The Asset’s Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year (2024), was not only a financial success but also a testament to her team’s ability to integrate sustainability into healthcare infrastructure. The recognition reinforced the idea that sustainability and healthcare innovation can go hand in hand. This has provided Celsus a platform to focus on the E, S and G of ESG and make a real difference above and beyond what the contract requires.
Looking ahead, her focus remains on driving innovation, sustainability, and financial viability in healthcare infrastructure. Di is committed to developing sustainable solutions, supporting emerging leaders, and strengthening governance practices in public-private partnerships. Her goal is to continue influencing the industry and setting new standards for excellence.
One of the best pieces of advice she has ever received was early in her career when she was offered the role of Nurse Unit Manager of Intensive Care at just 23 years old. She initially doubted whether she was ready for such a significant leadership position. A mentor advised her that no one ever feels 100% prepared, and waiting for the perfect moment means missing opportunities. This mindset has shaped her leadership journey ever since. Whether stepping into the role of Executive Director of Nursing, transitioning into healthcare infrastructure leadership, or leading South Australia’s largest public-private partnership, she has learned that growth happens when one takes the leap.
“Leadership is about stepping out of your comfort zone and seizing opportunities.”
Now, Di passes that advice on to others, especially to women aspiring to move into leadership roles. Trusting oneself, taking opportunities, and having confidence in one’s ability to succeed are crucial in advancing a career. Leadership is about taking risks, embracing challenges, and making a meaningful impact. Through her work, she continues to inspire the next generation of leaders while pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in healthcare infrastructure.
www.linkedin.com/in/di-mantell-b72a174a
