Lyn Lewis-Smith OAM GAICD

Lyn Lewis-Smith OAM is a highly regarded Chair, Non-Executive Director, and former CEO with leadership experience spanning ASX-listed companies, academia, government, and the not-for-profit sector. She is a Fellow of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), an Adjunct Professor, and Co-Chair of the UTS Business School Advisory Board. Lyn also serves as a Business NSW Councillor and is a member of Chief Executive Women’s Policy and Engagement Committee. Her prior Board roles include Destinations International (Co-Chair, International Leadership Committee), the Committee for Sydney, Women’s Resilience Centre, National Skills Week Advisory Board, President of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux, Director of the Business Events Council of Australia, Trustee of Parramatta Park, and Inaugural Chair of the Future Convention Cities Initiative. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Lyn brings global governance, commercial and strategic expertise, public policy insight, stakeholder engagement, and international market development to the boardroom. Known as a visionary and strategic leader, she has driven transformational change and accelerated growth across complex business models—particularly in digital and agile transformation. Her executive leadership spans financial services, energy and resources, transport and logistics, and the broader visitor economy. As former CEO of BESydney, Lyn led a global team across Europe, North America, and Asia. Under her leadership, the organisation secured international meetings across key growth sectors—green energy, infrastructure, technology, professional services, advanced manufacturing, education, and health—delivering lasting economic, strategic, and social value for Australia. Globally, Lyn has championed Australia’s business, scientific, and cultural capabilities. Her contributions have been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (2025), the Destinations International Global Ambassador Award, the Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Award, and PCMA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Honours (2024). She also co-launched the "Advancing Women in the Business Events Industry" report with PCMA and co-Chaired the 2018 Global Summit for Women. She is a member of Chief Executive Women, the International Women’s Forum, and a Minerva Network mentor.