Dr Simon McKeon AO
Dr Simon McKeon AO is a distinguished Australian business and community leader, and philanthropist, who is widely respected for his contributions across the fields of finance, social impact, education and public service.
He is currently the Non-Executive Director of National Australia Bank and Chairman of Greater South East Melbourne, an alliance of eight Councils and Shires representing more than 1.5 million residents and 25% of Victoria’s GDP. He also serves on Bain and Co’s Australian Advisory Council and on the Advisory Board of InfraBuild. Dr McKeon previously served as Senior Independent Director (Australia) for Rio Tinto Group, Chairman of AMP, CSIRO and MYOB and was Founding President of the Federal Government’s Australian Takeovers Panel.
He has been with the Macquarie Group in a variety of senior roles for more than 40 years, including as Executive Chairman (Melbourne office). He is presently retained as a consultant. He was also Chairman of the Federal Government’s Panel which in 2013 completed a Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research. Dr McKeon has had a long involvement in the not-for-profit sector, having chaired a range of organisations including MS Research Australia, Independent Schools Victoria, Summer Housing, In2Science, Business for Millenium Development and the Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative.
Dr McKeon was appointed as Monash University’s 8th Chancellor in 2016, a role he held until July 2024. In this role, he provided invaluable guidance and support to the Council as Chair, and the University senior leadership, and always demonstrated an infallible commitment towards securing a brighter future for Monash. During his tenure, Dr McKeon played a crucial role in shaping Monash’s long-term vision, ensuring strong institutional oversight, guiding Monash through a period of significant transformation.
Along with crewman Tim Daddo, Dr McKeon held the Outright World Sailing Speed Record between 1993 and 2009, becoming the first yachtsmen to sustain more than 50 knots. He was also the successful skipper, representing Australia, in three Little America’s Cup series.
Dr McKeon holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from The University of Melbourne and is a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors. He was the 2011 Australian of the Year and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2012 for his ‘distinguished service to business and commerce through leadership and advisory roles, and to the community as a supporter of national and international charitable, educational and sporting organisations’.