Bob Mansfield AO

Bob Mansfield is one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished business leaders, with a distinguished career spanning multiple industries and some of the nation’s most prominent organisations. Renowned for his strategic insight, governance expertise and calm leadership, Bob has held senior executive and board roles across telecommunications, media, infrastructure, consumer services and public policy.

Bob has served as Chief Executive Officer of several major organisations, including McDonald’s Australia Limited, Wormald International Limited, Optus Communications and John Fairfax. In each role, he led organisations through periods of growth, transformation and complex market change, building a reputation as one of Australia’s most effective corporate leaders.

Between 1996 and 1999, Bob undertook a number of senior advisory roles for the Australian Federal Government. These included reviewing the Operating Charter of the ABC and serving as Major Projects Facilitator and Strategic Investment Co-ordinator within the Prime Minister’s Office, contributing to national economic development and investment strategy.

In recognition of his significant contribution to Australian business, economic development and the telecommunications industry, Bob was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia on 26 January 2000. Further recognition followed on 15 December 2014, when he was awarded a Doctor of Business degree, honoris causa, by the University of New South Wales for his business achievements and service to the community and the University.

Bob has also held numerous high-profile chairmanships. He served as Chairman of Telstra Limited from 1999 to 2004, guiding the organisation during a pivotal period in its history. More recently, he was Chairman of Vocus Group Limited from 2017 to 2022. His extensive governance experience also includes long-standing leadership in the not-for-profit sector, serving as Chairman of the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre from 2011 to 2023 and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Steve Waugh Foundation from 2008 to 2024.

Across corporate, government and community leadership, Bob Mansfield is widely regarded for his integrity, strategic judgement and enduring contribution to Australian business and public life.