Dr Bob Edgar AM
Dr Bob Edgar AM is a distinguished economist, business leader, and company director whose career has made a significant contribution to Australian banking and finance, corporate governance, and medical research.
Dr Edgar’s career has been shaped by a lifelong interest in economics and its application to real-world challenges. After completing an honours degree in economics, he undertook a PhD in economics in the United States. He then returned to Australia, where he commenced his professional career with the Reserve Bank of Australia and then, the Australian Bankers’ Association during a period of major reform in the Australian financial system.
His expertise in financial markets and economics contributed to discussions surrounding the transformation of Australia’s banking sector following the Campbell Inquiry into the Australian Financial System. Dr Edgar subsequently joined ANZ Banking Group, where he built a distinguished 25-year career across a range of senior executive roles.
As Chief Economist at ANZ, Dr Edgar reshaped how economic analysis was communicated, moving beyond the simple presentation of data to explain the implications of economic trends for businesses, customers, and decision-makers. He became a trusted adviser to senior executives and clients, helping them navigate periods of significant disruptive economic change.
Dr Edgar later served as Chief Executive Officer of ANZ’s South Asia operations, based in Mumbai. The role represented a significant professional and personal transition, with Dr Edgar and his young family embracing the opportunity to experience India’s rapidly changing economy and society. The experience strengthened his appreciation of India’s growing importance as an economic and strategic partner for Australia.
Returning to Melbourne, Dr Edgar held a number of senior leadership roles at ANZ, including Managing Director of Esanda Finance, Managing Director Corporate Banking and Managing Director Institutional Business, before retiring in 2008 as Group Deputy Chief Executive.
Dr Edgar has contributed significantly to medical research organisations through a range of corporate and not-for-profit board roles, including as Chair of the Hudson Institute of Medical Research.
Dr Edgar is also a Trustee and Treasurer of the Foundation for High Blood Pressure Research. The Foundation financially supports worthy research into high blood pressure problems. It also supports newly emerging researchers attend international conferences to present scientific papers.
Throughout his career, Dr Edgar has remained committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with future generations. He believes strongly in the importance of intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning and applying expertise in ways that creates meaningful impact.