David Thodey AO

David Thodey is a business leader focused on innovation, technology, digital transformation and corporate governance, with more than 40 years of experience.

In addition to being Chair of Ramsay, David is currently Chair of Xero Limited, Chancellor the University of Sydney, and co-Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. He is also a non-executive member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Governance Board.

David had an accomplished executive career, previously serving as CEO of Telstra (2009-2015), and CEO of IBM Australia and New Zealand (1999-2001). He is active in public service and public policy previously serving as Chair of the independent user audit of myGov (2023), Chair of CSIRO (2015 – 2021), Deputy Chair of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission Advisory Board (2020), Chair of the independent review of the NSW’s Government Federal Financial Relations (2020) and Chair of the independent review of the Australian Public Service (2019).

David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and English from Victoria University of Wellington and attended the Kellogg School of Management postgraduate General Management Program at Northwestern University in Chicago. He also holds three Honorary Doctorates from Deakin University, the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney. David is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2017, he was awarded an Order of Australia for his service to business and the promotion of ethical leadership and workplace diversity.

In the past three years, David has served as a Director of the following listed companies:

• Xero Limited (appointed June 2019)
• Tyro Payments Limited (resigned March 2023)

Committee memberships:

• Nomination and Governance Committee (Chair)

Independence status:

• Independent