Carolyn Hewson facts for kids

Carolyn Judith Hewson AO (born July 1955) is a very important Australian businesswoman. She has worked in many top roles in big companies. She is known for her strong leadership and for helping others.

Who is Carolyn Hewson?

Carolyn Hewson is a highly respected leader in the business world. She has been a director on the boards of many major companies. These include CSL, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and BHP. Being a director means she helps guide these companies.

She has also held important jobs at places like Westpac and AMP. Her work has helped shape many parts of Australia's economy. She is often called one of Australia's most influential business people.

Her Education and Early Life

Carolyn Hewson studied at two well-known universities. She went to the University of Adelaide in Australia. Later, she continued her studies at the University of Cambridge in England. This strong education helped her prepare for a successful career.

She was born Carolyn Somerville in July 1955. She married John Hewson in 1988. They had one daughter. Even with a young child, Carolyn continued her important work. She would often travel for meetings, sometimes taking her daughter with her.

Important Roles and Achievements

Carolyn Hewson has served on many important boards. These boards help make big decisions for companies and organizations.

• She is a director at CSL, a global biotechnology company.
• She is also on the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia. This bank helps manage Australia's money and economy.
• She has supported charities like the YWCA and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Recognitions and Awards

In 2009, Carolyn Hewson received a special award. She was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This award recognized her service to the community and to business. She was honored for her support of charities, especially the YWCA.

The Australian Financial Review has called her one of Australia's most influential female directors. This shows how important her work has been. In 2017, she helped judge the Workplace Giving Excellence Awards.

Working with Infrastructure SA

In 2019, Carolyn Hewson joined the board of Infrastructure SA. This group helps plan big building projects for South Australia. Their job is to create a 20-year plan for things like roads and public transport. This helps make sure the state grows well in the future.

Supporting Women in Leadership

Carolyn Hewson believes it's important for more women to be in leadership roles. She has spoken about laws that would require more women on government boards. She also thinks workplaces need to support parents better. This includes making it easier for people to raise children while having a career.

Recent Board Appointments

Carolyn Hewson continues to take on new leadership roles.

• In late 2019, she stepped down from the board of BHP.
• In December 2019, she was appointed as a director at CSL Limited.
• In December 2020, she joined the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Her ongoing work shows her dedication to business and community service.