Helen Lynch AM

Helen Lynch AM, Mallesons Stephen Jaques Board Member and Chairman of the Westpac Foundation and Westpac Staff Superannuation Plan, joined Mallesons Engaging Women to launch the first event in 2009. Following the launch of the EOWA paper (A) gender in the Boardroom, Helen shared with us her views on why the number of women on boards has declined since 2006 and the key factors that could advance the growth of women directors in Australian public companies.

Helen’s distinguished career spans 35 years at Westpac Banking Corporation. In 1994 she was made a member of the Order of Australia for her services to the Banking and Finance Industry and in 1997 was appointed a Non-Executive Director of Westpac.

Over the past 15 years, Helen has served as a Non-Executive Director of the following listed companies; Coles Myer Ltd, OPSM Group (Chairman), Pacific Brands Limited (Deputy Chairman), SouthCorp Limited. Helen’s achievements and contribution have also been recognised in being named the Bulletin/Qantas Business Woman of the Year in 1990; in 2003, awarded the Centenary Medal for services to Australian Society in Business Leadership and in 2005 awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Griffith University.