Jennifer Westacott

Professor Jennifer Westacott AO is Chancellor of Western Sydney University and Chair of the Bradfield Development Authority. Her leadership spans academia, business, and public service, including key roles as Special Advisor at KPMG, Non-Executive Director at Wesfarmers, and Australia’s Business Champion to Indonesia. She also chairs Future Generations Global, serves on the Board of ATCO, and represents New South Wales as a global ambassador for business events. In addition, she is a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s newly formed Governance Board.

Her earlier career was grounded in senior public sector roles within the NSW and Victorian governments, focused on delivering impactful reforms. She later joined KPMG, where she advised on climate, sustainability, and major government reforms. As the longest-serving Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia until 2023, Jennifer championed economic growth alongside social equity. She continues her advocacy through roles including Chair of Studio Schools Australia and patronages across mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and education. She holds a BA (Hons) from UNSW and an Honorary Doctor of Letters, and is a Chevening Scholar from the London School of Economics.

Jennifer contributes her breadth of experience and commitment to inclusive policy as a valued member of The Dialogues Advisory Panel, offering insights shaped by decades of leadership across government, business, and education.