Dr Penny Fowler AM
Dr Penny Fowler AM is an Australian community and business leader whose career spans media, tourism, and national cultural institutions. She is Chairman of the Herald & Weekly Times and serves as News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador.
Mrs Fowler has long been committed to advancing a range of cultural and social institutions. Since 2013 she has served as Chairman of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal a role that reflects Dr Fowler’s strong commitment to social impact by improving the welfare of our sickest children.
She also serves as Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and the Chair of Tourism Australia. She is also on the Advisory Board of Visy/Pratt USA, a board member of Tech Mahindra, a Council Member of the National Gallery of Australia, a trustee of Cruden Farm and Chair of the Calvert-Jones Foundation.
Dr Fowler is a member of Chief Executive Women and an Ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and food charity SecondBite. Her work reflects a long-standing dedication to improving opportunities for young people, strengthening community organisations and supporting families in need.
Previously, Dr Fowler served on the board of the National Portrait Gallery for 9 years. As Chair from 2022 to 2025 she guided the Gallery through a period of renewal and increased national visibility. She was also on the board of the Australian Ballet for 10 years from 2012 to 2022. Dr Fowler sat on the Advisory Board of the Bank of Melbourne from 2017 to 2020 and the Bank of Melbourne (St George) Foundation until December 2025.
Across every role, she brings a distinctive blend of strategic insight, generosity and a deep belief in the power of community to drive meaningful change.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Dr Fowler holds a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in marketing from Chisholm Institute (now Monash University). In 2024, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her significant service to the community through a wide range of organisations.
Dr Fowler is married to Grant and has 5 children and 4 grandchildren. She has spent significant time living overseas and returned to Melbourne in 2001.