As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it’s crucial to recognize the remarkable achievements of female leaders in corporate Australia while also acknowledging the persistent gender gap in executive roles. Today, we spotlight four exceptional women who have broken through the glass ceiling to lead some of Australia’s largest companies: Shemara Wikramanayake of Macquarie Group, Amanda Bardwell of Woolworths, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy of Xero, and Vicki Brady of Telstra.
Shemara Wikramanayake – Macquarie Group (MQG:ASX)
Shemara Wikramanayake has been at the helm of Macquarie Group since late 2018, making history as the first woman and first Asian-Australian to lead an ASX 200 company1. Her journey at Macquarie spans over three decades, during which she has worked across six countries and led Macquarie Asset Management for a decade1. Under her leadership, Wikramanayake has not only been recognized as the highest-paid CEO in Australia for two consecutive years but has also been named the world’s fifth most powerful woman by Fortune prior to becoming CEO.
Wikramanayake’s impact extends beyond financial success. She has been a vocal advocate for renewable energy production and climate change mitigation, demonstrating that corporate leadership can drive positive environmental change.
Amanda Bardwell – Woolworths Group (WOW:ASX)
Set to take the reins as CEO and Managing Director of Woolworths Group on September 1, 2024, Amanda Bardwell represents a new chapter in Australian corporate leadership1. Her 23-year journey with Woolworths has seen her transform WooliesX from a startup to an $8 billion powerhouse in just seven years. Bardwell’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased her ability to navigate complex challenges while ensuring supply chain resilience.
As she prepares to lead one of Australia’s largest retailers, Bardwell’s focus on sustainability initiatives and digital transformation positions Woolworths for future success in an ever-evolving retail landscape.
Sukhinder Singh Cassidy – Xero (XRO:ASX)
Since February 1, 2023, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy has been steering Xero with over 25 years of global leadership experience. Her impressive career includes roles as President of StubHub and leadership positions at Google overseeing Asia Pacific & Latin America operations1. Singh Cassidy’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her founding of theBoardlist and Joyus, as well as co-founding the financial technology company Yodlee.
As an author and advocate for increasing women’s representation in tech and on company boards, Singh Cassidy brings a unique perspective to her role at Xero, championing diversity and innovation in the tech sector.
Vicki Brady – Telstra (TLS:ASX)
Vicki Brady took the helm of Australia’s largest telecommunications company, Telstra, on September 1, 20221. With a diverse background including roles at Optus, SingTel, and KPMG, Brady brings a wealth of experience to her position1. Her leadership of Telstra’s T25 strategy focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences, maintaining network leadership, and driving sustainable growth1.
Brady’s ascension to CEO of a major ASX-listed company underscores the importance of fostering female talent within organizations and creating pathways to top leadership positions.
The Persistent Gender Gap in Corporate Australia
While these four women represent significant progress, their stories are unfortunately still the exception rather than the norm in corporate Australia. As of June 2024, women held only 12.6% of Chair positions and less than 10% of CEO roles in ASX 200 companies1. This stark underrepresentation highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving gender diversity at the highest executive levels.
Compared to other countries, Australia lags behind in female board representation. As of early 2025, women hold 36% of board positions in ASX 200 companies, while the UK’s FTSE 100 boasts 44.7% female representation, and the US S&P 500 stands at 33.5%1. These figures underscore the need for continued efforts to promote gender diversity in Australian boardrooms and executive suites.
The success stories of Wikramanayake, Bardwell, Singh Cassidy, and Brady serve as powerful examples of what women can achieve when given the opportunity to lead. Their diverse backgrounds, innovative approaches, and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility demonstrate the unique value that female leaders bring to the corporate world.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it’s clear that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in corporate Australia. By highlighting these exceptional leaders and acknowledging the persistent gender gap, we can inspire the next generation of female executives and encourage companies to foster more inclusive and diverse leadership teams. Only through continued effort and commitment can we hope to see more women breaking through the glass ceiling and reshaping the future of Australian business.
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