Narelle Kennedy - Chief Executive

Narelle Kennedy is founding Chief Executive of the Australian Business Foundation, an independent organisation undertaking evidence-based research to deliver fresh insights and practical intelligence to boost Australia’s capabilities and global competitiveness.

Narelle has had a working history that spans both the public and private sectors in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, through which she has developed expertise in both economic and social development policies, including on business regulation, regional development, industry clustering and competition policy. She is regularly sought as an expert commentator on emerging business issues, innovation and opportunities from the knowledge economy.

Narelle is a founding member of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business, a member of Chief Executive Women, a Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre, member of the Institute of Public Administration Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Narelle was a member of the Federal Government’s expert panel reviewing Australia’s Innovation System and was one of the top 1000 individuals chosen to participate in the Australia 2020 Summit convened by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in April 2008.

She holds positions on various Boards and Advisory Councils including MTC Work Solutions and the Standards Australia Advisory Board and has represented Australia at the Business Advisory Committee to the OECD.

Narelle has a first class Honours Degree in Social Studies from the University of Sydney, where she won the Frances Mary Gillespie Prize for the top student in her graduating class. Narelle was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001.

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Jo Spencer - Deputy CEO

Jo joined the Australian Business Foundation as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in January 2011. 

Jo has extensive experience in government, media, member-based business associations, and the corporate sector.  For over 20 years, she has worked in strategic communications, corporate branding and reputation, and client relationship management.

Jo has been a senior executive in both the private and public sectors, and ran her own company for seven years.  She has managed programs at the national and international level, including involvement in World Expos in South Korea and Germany.  She was engaged  in international protocol and public relations in the Federal Parliament for ten years, and has worked with organisations including state and federal government agencies, the Australian Institute of Building, Acumen Alliance (later Oakton) and the International Centre for Complex Project Management.

Jo serves on the boards of ACT Palliative Care and Marymead Child and Family Centre.

Melissa Doyle - Business Support

Melissa joined the Foundation in 2006, first working as Executive Assistant and now as Business Support manager.

Melissa has a wide experience in office administration. Before coming to the Founation she worked for NEC Australia in a variety of roles, coving import of products and support of senior Japanese management.

After leaving school Melissa spent one year in Japan as a Rotary Exchange Student and is now a fluent Japanse speaker with interpreting qualifications. Her first full time job was as a Japanese speaking tour guide for tourists visiting Sydney.