Narelle Kennedy, Chief Executive, Australian Business Foundation

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.