Warwick Smith

The Hon Warwick Smith AO is Chair of the Advisory Board at the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS:ACRI).

Mr Smith is a highly respected figure in both the public and private sectors in Australia. He is currently the Chairman of the Advisory Board for Australian Capital Equity, a significant shareholder in various major companies. These interests include SGH Ltd, where Mr Smith also serves as a Board Director, along with Seven West Media Limited, Boral, Coates Hire, Beach Energy, WesTrac, and Caterpillar, specialising in industrial services and equipment across Western Australia and New South Wales.

In addition, Mr Smith holds the position of Chairman at both Ord Minnett and Wollar Solar. He also serves as the Lead Independent Director of Jemena Energy and Gas Pipeline, further demonstrating his extensive involvement in the energy and finance sectors.

Mr Smith has played a pivotal role with the Business Council of Australia, where he is the immediate past Chairman of the Global Engagement Committee and remains a lifetime Honorary Member. His commitment to international relations is evident in his tenure as Chairman of the Australia–China Council and as the inaugural Chair of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

Globally, Mr Smith was a Global Trustee of the Asia Society, headquartered in New York, and continues to be recognised as Chairman Emeritus of the Asia Society in Australia. He is also the inaugural business representative for the BOAO Forum for Asia and serves on the Boao Forum for the Asia Expert Committee on Financial Cooperation.

With over 30 years of experience in banking and financial services, Mr Smith has held several senior positions, including Executive Director at Macquarie Bank Group. He has also served as Chairman for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, as well as the former Senior Managing Director for ANZ Banking Group Limited. His roles with ANZ included Chairman of ANZ Bank China and Chairman of ANZ Bank Thailand.

Previously, Mr Smith has been Chairman of E*TRADE Limited and has held board positions with Estia Health Ltd, Marinus Link Pty Ltd, and the Australian Sports Commission. He was also Chairman of the National Museum of Australia, further highlighting the breadth of his leadership across diverse sectors.

Mr Smith was an Australian Federal Government Minister with a distinguished parliamentary career spanning 15 years. Notably, he was Australia's first Telecommunications Ombudsman. His service has been recognised through the awarding of a Centenary Medal and twice being honoured with the Order of Australia.