Bob Mansfield AO
One of Australia’s Most Respected Corporate Leaders
Informative, insightful and stimulating, Bob Mansfield speaks to audiences on themes of change, competition and leadership. Drawing on his experience leading major organisations through growth, restructuring and significant industry shifts—including McDonald’s Australia, Optus and Fairfax—Bob provides clear lessons in disciplined leadership, operational excellence and managing complexity at scale.
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Bob Mansfield AO is recognised as one of Australia’s most distinguished business leaders, with a career spanning top-tier executive roles, major government appointments, and influential board positions across diverse industries.
Born in Rabaul, New Guinea, and educated in Sydney at Barker College, Bob went on to graduate from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). His early foundations in business propelled him into leadership roles that shaped some of Australia’s most iconic organisations.
Bob has served as Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Australia, Wormald International, Optus Communications, and John Fairfax—roles that cemented his reputation for operational excellence, strategic clarity, and transformation at scale.
A highly sought-after director, Bob holds prominent board and philanthropic positions.
His contributions have extended beyond the private sector, with Bob taking on several key roles for the Federal Government. These have included leading the review of the ABC’s Operating Charter, acting as Major Projects Facilitator reporting directly to the Prime Minister, and serving as Australia’s Strategic Investment Coordinator.
In 1999, Bob completed his government responsibilities and joined the board of Telstra Corporation. He became Telstra’s non-executive Chairman on 1 January 2000, a position he held until April 2004, guiding the company through a period of significant industry change.
On Australia Day 2000, Bob Mansfield was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Australian business, economic development, and the telecommunications sector.
