Belinda Hutchinson AC joins Goodstart Early Learning Board

Belinda Hutchinson AC joined the Goodstart Early Learning Board earlier this month.

Ms Hutchinson AC is a Director of Australian Philanthropic Services, Qantas, Thales Australia, a member of the European Australian Business Council Corporate Council and a Trustee of the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation, Goodstart Early Learning Chair Paul Robertson shared, in welcoming her to the position. 

Her executive career included her role as an Executive Director of Macquarie Group, a Vice President of Citibank, and a senior manager at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). Holding a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Ms Hutchinson is also a past president of Chief Executive Women, and her family runs its own charitable trust. 

Recognised as one of the nation’s preeminent business and philanthropic leaders, Ms Hutchinson was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, for ‘eminent service to business, to tertiary education and scientific research, and through philanthropic endeavours to address social disadvantage’. 

“Belinda is one of Australia’s most experienced leaders. We are thrilled that she will bring her passion for education and her vast experience in governance to our Board as we prepare for a period of once-in-ageneration reform,” Mr Robertson said. 

“After beginning her working life as an accountant, Belinda has become one of the most sought-after directors among private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations in Australia, contributing as a nonexecutive director to sectors including education, finance, philanthropy, utilities, retail, and engineering sectors.” 

Ms Hutchinson was previously Chancellor of the University of Sydney for three terms, and Chair of Thales Australia, QBE Insurance Group, and Future Generation Global Investment Company. 

She has served as a non-executive director of Telstra Corporation, Coles Myer, Energy Australia, AGL Energy, TAB, Snowy Hydro Trading, Sydney Water, Crane Group and St Vincent’s Health Australia. 

“Education gives everyone a passport to a life of opportunity,” Ms Hutchinson said, “and it’s clear that access to early education makes a profound difference to people’s lives and I am very excited to be given the opportunity to work with the Board and the broader team at Goodstart Early Learning.” 

“I look forward to drawing on my skills and experience to make a positive difference for the children and families who need access to high quality early learning to thrive.”