Diversity Council Australia appoints new CEO
The Diversity Council of Australia has appointed a new chief executive officer in Catherine Hunter.
Hunter will take on the role in March, joining from Woolworths Group where she served as group general manager of inclusion and belonging.
Over her 30 year career, she has had a strong commitment to diversity and social impact, with roles including partner of corporate citizenship at KPMG and co-lead of KPMG’s Indigenous services, as well as senior positions at the Sydney Opera House Trust and Australia Business Arts Foundation.
In addition, Hunter also brings significant governance experience to the new role. Currently serving as a non-executive director for Studio Schools Australia — an innovation in Indigenous education — Hunter has also served as a director and chair of the UN Global Compact Network Australia.
“I’m thrilled to be joining DCA at such a vital time for diversity and inclusion across Australia’s workplaces,” Hunter said.
“Building upon the strong foundations laid by former CEO Lisa Annese and the DCA team, I look forward to working with our members as their trusted partner to strengthen their inclusive work practices that enable people to thrive and perform at their best.”
Sunita Gloster AM, chair of the Diversity Council of Australia board, said: “Catherine has a deep understanding of how to engage leaders across business, government and community in diversity and inclusion.
“Her role leading inclusion at one of Australia’s largest employers, coupled with her experience in ESG, specifically in business and human rights, will be invaluable as DCA works to support its members’ needs and address Australia’s workplace opportunities and challenges.
“DCA’s membership base comprises a broad cross section of Australian workplaces – from ASX 100 business and government agencies through to small business. Through our members and our research, we know that workplace inclusion promotes innovation, enhances collaboration, and is key to better business performance.
“Catherine’s proven track record in building and delivering inclusive workplaces for the benefit of individuals, business outcomes and the broader Australian community made her a standout choice for the leadership of DCA,” Gloster concluded.
Hunter will start in March 2025. Deputy board chair, Chris Lamb, will continue as interim CEO until then.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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