* Steven Marshall grew up in Adelaide's eastern suburbs, studying business at university. He later completed an MBA at Durham University in the UK.

* He entered his family's furniture manufacturing business, becoming managing director following his father's retirement in 1997.

* The company was sold in 2001 to an international firm, with Mr Marshall joining the board.

* He entered politics at the 2010 election winning the seat of Norwood (now Dunstan), which covers the inner-eastern suburbs of Norwood, Payneham South, St Peters and Trinity Garden.

* In 2011 he was promoted to the opposition front bench and, in 2012, became deputy leader.

* When Isobel Redmond resigned as leader in 2013, Mr Marshall replaced her, unopposed.

* Despite winning the two-party vote, he couldn't secure victory for the Liberals in 2014. But he had impressed enough to stay on as leader.

Australian Associated Press