Nicola Wakefield Evans appointed to AICD board

The appointment of Ms Wakefield Evans means that women now make up 50% of the 12 person AICD board.

Ms Wakefield Evans is a Non-Executive Director of Macquarie Group Limited, Toll Holdings Limited, Lend Lease Corporation Limited, Bupa Australia & New Zealand and Asialink and is a member of the Takeovers Panel.

For two decades Ms Wakefield Evans was a Partner at King & Wood Mallesons, where she was a corporate advisory partner and a key member of their corporate governance group. She is also a member of Chief Executive Women.

AICD Chairman Elizabeth Proust AO FAICD said Nicola would bring her significant experience in the Asia-Pacific region, as well extensive governance experience to the AICD Board.

“Nicola’s broad and extensive experience will be an asset to our organisation. She has a deep understanding of the need for long-term thinking on Australian boards, as well as first-hand experience of the increased regulatory burdens facing directors and the important role Asia will play in the future of Australian business,” she said.

“In addition to the talents and insight Nicola brings, I’m pleased that her appointment will see us achieve gender parity on the AICD board. Increasing gender diversity on Australian boards has been a focus of the Institute’s for some time, so it is fitting that we are leading from the front.”

Ms Wakefield Evans said it was an honour to be appointed to the AICD National Board and that she looked forward to helping drive the organisation’s focus on excellence in governance.

“The AICD plays a crucial role in educating and informing Australian directors and is leading the way in important areas such as culture and diversity. I am excited about being part of a board that is helping drive these improvements in Australian governance.”