Pru Bennett will join the advisory board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations as chair. Ms Bennett was previously managing director and head of investment stewardship for BlackRock’s Asia-Pacific region and is now a senior adviser to global strategic advisory firm Brunswick Group and an independent corporate governance adviser.
“Having held roles engaging at senior levels in business and advising key economic and financial regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore, Ms Bennett will bring great insight into the challenges and opportunities of managing business, trade and investment between greater China and the region, and in corporate and board governance,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne.
“Ms Bennett is a senior business leader with extensive experience working across greater China and Asia, and a deep understanding of China’s economic relationships.”
Ms Bennett is also a member of the 30% Club in Hong Kong, part of a global campaign to see greater representation of women – including women with Asia experience – on corporate boards. In 2013, Ms Bennett was named as one of Australia’s top 10 Women of Influence in Corporate Governance. She has a bachelor of commerce from the UNSW and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
The National Foundation for Australia-China relations is intended to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries and reflects “the Australian [government’s] commitment to a constructive relationship with China”.
Journalist Stan Grant has also been appointed to the board as a member.
