New CEO to lead Diversity Council Australia in next phase of workplace inclusion

Diversity Council Australia (DCA) is gearing up for a leadership transition with the appointment of Catherine Hunter as CEO, effective March 2025, succeeding Lisa Annese who steered the organisation through a decade of transformative growth.

Catherine Hunter brings to DCA a career spanning more than 30 years, marked by her commitment to diversity and social impact alongside strategic business acumen. Her most recent role as Group General Manager Inclusion and Belonging at Woolworths Group Limited, following a tenure at KPMG Australia where she held leadership roles including Co-lead of KPMG Indigenous Services and Partner, underscores her expertise in fostering inclusive workplaces.

Sunita Gloster AM, Chair of DCA’s Board, remarked “Catherine’s role leading inclusion at one of Australia’s largest employers, coupled with her experience in ESG, specifically in business and human rights, will be invaluable as DCA works to support its members’ needs and address Australia’s workplace opportunities and challenges.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining DCA at such a vital time for diversity and inclusion across Australia’s workplaces,” Hunter said. “Building upon the strong foundations laid by former CEO Lisa Annese and the DCA team, I look forward to working with our members as their trusted partner to strengthen their inclusive work practices that enable people to thrive and perform at their best.”

Among Annese’s many achievements, was her leadership in establishing Australia’s first national index on workplace inclusion, the Inclusion@Work Index, which continues to provide essential insights for creating more inclusive workplaces.

“There is still much work to be done before Australia can realise the full benefits of its diverse talent. Groups that have been traditionally marginalised because of their gender, race, LGBTIQ+ status, disability or social class have much to offer employers but because of systemic barriers, have been unable to fully realise their potential at work.

“Luckily, the business case for focusing on workplace inclusion is strong. We know that workplaces that focus on diversity and inclusion are more innovative and productive,” Annese said prior to her departure from DCA.

Gloster emphasised DCA’s commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces, saying “DCA’s membership base comprises a broad cross section of Australian workplaces – from ASX 100 business and government agencies through to small business. Through our members and our research, we know that workplace inclusion promotes innovation, enhances collaboration, and is key to better business performance.”

Beyond her corporate achievements, Hunter brings substantial governance experience, currently serving as a Non-Executive Director for Studio Schools Australia and having chaired the UN Global Compact Network Australia.

Chris Lamb, DCA’s Deputy Board Chair, will continue as Interim CEO until Hunter assumes her role, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

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