“MORE AMBITIOUS, MORE ACTIVE AND MORE INCLUSIVE”: NEW PRESIDENT’S VISION FOR CEW

Media Release - CEW New President

14 July, 2025

Helen Conway, former CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) and a corporate leader with decades of experience across legal practice, boardroom roles, and gender equality advocacy, has been appointed as the new President of Chief Executive Women (CEW), Australia's premier organisation for women in leadership.

Ms Conway's appointment comes at a crucial juncture, with Australia achieving its highest-ever global ranking for gender equality by climbing to 13th place in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ^[1] and the national gender pay gap falling to a record low according to the latest WGEA data ^[2], as the Federal Government focuses its second-term agenda on national productivity.

Ms Conway said she was honoured to serve the organisation as it enters its next chapter and is committed to a more ambitious and inclusive agenda.

"Gender equality will only progress if it is an ongoing effort - complacency is regression,” Ms Conway said

"I'm excited to serve as President of Chief Executive Women and build on the exceptional legacy of my predecessor, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz.

"CEW's membership base has grown substantially in recent years, enabling us to advocate for gender equality with increased influence.

"Under my presidency, CEW will be more ambitious, more active, and more inclusive. We will strive to champion women from all backgrounds moving forward.

"We will make a concerted effort to champion First Nations and culturally diverse leaders, not-for-profit leaders, regional leaders and others who we believe are not being included at the level they should be.

"Over the past three years, the organisation has successfully advocated for key reforms, including improvements to paid parental leave and measures making childcare more affordable and accessible.

"These reforms have made a real difference in the lives of women and have significantly advanced gender equality in Australia: our recent climb in global gender equality rankings is proof.

"But progress is fragile, and we're seeing concerning attempts to reverse it. We will leverage our position to push back against these attempts.

"With the Federal Government rightly focused on boosting national productivity, CEW's policy agenda offers a clear framework for achieving that goal.

"Women's workforce participation is key to boosting our national productivity, and CEW has a practical and actionable set of policy priorities that can help lift women's workforce participation rates.

"If implemented, our policy agenda can unlock over one million additional full-time skilled workers and significantly boost our national economy.

"We see an important role for the organisation in setting positive examples for young women and pushing back against attempts to dissuade them from pursuing professional careers.

"I'm ready to work with government, business, and community leaders to ensure we capitalise on our recent progress and deliver the policies that will secure true gender equality for all Australian women and boost our nation's economic productivity,"

Ms Conway said.

CEO Lisa Annese said Ms Conway's appointment positioned CEW to drive the next phase of Australia's gender equality journey with renewed focus and determination.

"Helen brings unparalleled experience and a proven track record of delivering results on gender equality, and I'm excited to work alongside her to build on CEW's work," Ms Annese said.

"Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment as Australia builds on recent progress and the government focuses on productivity.

“Helen and CEW are perfectly positioned to help shape this agenda with a bold, inclusive approach that leaves no woman behind."