Board & Governance
Board of Directors
The CEW Board is a diverse group of accomplished women united in championing all women.
Chapter Chairs
Our Chapter Chairs lead local initiatives in their state or territory to support women in business and leadership. They organise events, foster professional networks, advocate on key policy issues, and connect our members with resources.
Founding Members
In 1985, 15 visionary women executives founded Chief Executive Women (CEW) to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership. Their foresight laid the foundation for CEW's commitment to championing women's leadership, focusing on diversity, inclusivity, and gender equity in Australia.
Anne Gorman OAM
Barbara Cail AO
Bonnie Boezeman AO
Carla Zampatti AC
Geraldine Paton AO
Gillian Franklin
Heather Leembruggen
Helen Lynch AM
Imelda Roche AO
Julia King AM
Pauline Markwell
Penelope Seidler AM
Penny Carl-Nelson
Bev Dyke
Leonie Still
Past Presidents
Honoring the exceptional leaders who have guided CEW through four decades of advancing women's leadership in Australia.
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz
2022-2025
Susan is Chair of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, a non-Executive Director of Rio Tinto Limited and the Macquarie Group. She was Chief Executive Officer of Mirvac from 2012 to 2023.
Sam Mostyn AC
2021-2022
Sam is a prominent businesswoman and sustainability adviser, appointed as the 28th Governor-General of Australia from July 1, 2024. She was Chair of the Women's Economic Opportunities Review and was awarded an AO in 2021.
Sue Morphet
2019-2020
Sue has more than 30 years of management experience in brand, consumer goods, manufacturing, and retail across Australia and New Zealand. She was CEO of Pacific Brands Limited from 2007 to 2012.
Kathryn Fagg AO
2017-2018
Kathryn is an accomplished chair and board member with extensive experience in senior executive roles across diverse industries. She serves as Chair of Boral Ltd and was a board member of the Reserve Bank of Australia (2013-2018).
Diane Smith-Gander AO
2015-2016
Diane is a distinguished non-executive director with a diverse portfolio across various industries and geographies. A strong advocate for gender equity, she currently chairs Zip Co Limited and HBF Health Limited.
Christine Christian AO
2013-2014
Christine is a prominent Australian business leader with over 30 years of experience in financial services, private equity, and digital media. She was CEO of Dun & Bradstreet Australia and New Zealand, where she significantly expanded the company.
Belinda Hutchinson AC
2011-2012
Belinda is the Chancellor of the University of Sydney and serves as Chair of Thales Australia. Previously, she chaired QBE Insurance Group and held directorships with AGL, Telstra, Coles Myer, and Sydney Water.
Naseema Sparks AM
2009-2010
Naseema is a seasoned growth director with extensive experience in technology-driven business models that disrupt traditional industries. Known for her ability to drive revenue growth and sustainable differentiation.
Catherine Livingstone AO
2007-2008
Catherine has served as Chairman of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia since January 2017. A highly respected company director and chartered accountant, she brings over 22 years of executive experience, notably as CEO of Cochlear Limited. Awarded Officer of the Order of Australia in 2008.
Jillian Broadbent AC
2005-2006
After a 30-year career in banking in Australia and overseas, Jillian left her executive position to become a non-executive director of a number of companies. Prior to her resignation from Bankers Trust Australia, she was a senior executive and department head at that bank.
Diane Grady AO
2003-2004
Diane is a distinguished business leader and board director. With an MBA from Harvard, she was the first female partner at McKinsey & Co. outside the US. In 2009, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to business and women's leadership.
Karen Wilson
2001-2002
Karen is a prominent Australian business leader with extensive experience in finance and telecommunications. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, she promotes gender equity and diverse perspectives in corporate governance.
Annabelle Bennett AC
1999-2000
The Honourable Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC is a retired Judge of the Federal Court of Australia and former additional judge of the Supreme Court of the ACT. In 2019, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to law, higher education, and sports arbitration.
Sandra Yates AO
1997-1998
Sandra was Chair of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia from 1996 to 2004, publisher of Time magazine from 1990 to 1994, Chair of the NSW TAFE Commission Board from 1997 to 2007, and Chair of Sydney Writers' Festival from 2000 to 2011.
Helen Lynch AM
1996-1997
Helen is a former banker with a distinguished career at Westpac. A founding Director of the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation (now the Westpac Scholarship Fund), she remains active on its National Selection Committee. Honored as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994.
Wendy McCarthy AC
1995-1996
Wendy is a distinguished executive and company director who began her career as a teacher before transitioning into public life in 1968. A passionate advocate for change, she has worked across sectors including education, women's rights, and public health.
Ita Buttrose AC OBE
1993-1994
Ita served as Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) from 2019 to March 2024 and was named Australian of the Year in 2013. A media pioneer and founding member of Chief Executive Women, she has received numerous accolades including Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2019.
Imelda Roche AO
1990-1992
Imelda co-founded Nutrimetics International in 1968, acquiring its global interests in 1991 and later selling to Sara Lee Corporation in 1997. An influential leader, she has served on numerous boards, including St Vincent's Hospital and the Garvan Medical Research Foundation.
Barbara Cail AO
1985-1989
Barbara Cail, founder and former Executive Chair of Rala Information Services, managed 12 industry magazines and exhibitions. In 1984, she launched Portfolio magazine for businesswomen, which led to the creation of Chief Executive Women (CEW). A tireless advocate for women in business, Barbara has held numerous leadership roles and continues her commitment to community and empowerment.
Become a member
Join Australia's most influential network of senior women leaders. CEW membership connects you with extraordinary women driving change across business, government, and community.
Learn about membership