Nicholas Whitlam
Chair
Nicholas Whitlam is a seasoned company director and former banker with an extensive background in banking, insurance, superannuation, and asset management. As former CEO and chairman of leading Australian financial institutions, he has held pivotal roles, including Managing Director and CEO of the State Bank of New South Wales, where he led its reconstitution and recommended offshore banking in Australia. Whitlam also co-founded the investment bank Whitlam Turnbull with Malcolm Turnbull in 1987 and has since operated his private interests through Whitlam & Co. His industry influence extends to China-related investment through the Generations Fund, and he serves as a Non-Executive Director for Crescent Wealth.
Beyond finance, Whitlam has held prominent roles in various sectors. He was President of the NRMA and chaired NRMA Insurance, overseeing its demutualisation and ASX listing. Additionally, he has held chairmanships across ports and logistics as well as disability and compensation, having led the Port Authority of NSW, the Lifetime Care & Support Authority, and WorkCover NSW. Whitlam’s service in public and cultural organisations is extensive, including chairing the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Graduate School of Management. A Harvard and University of London alumnus with honorary doctorates from UNSW and Western Sydney University, Whitlam’s recent publications include Paris 1924: Four Weeks One Summer and his memoir, Still Standing.