Strategic energy challenges: the changing dynamic for Australia

Mr Chaney is Chairman of Woodside Petroleum Limited, National Australia Bank, Limited investment bank, Gresham Partners and Holdings Limited.

In 2005, Mr Chaney retired after serving 13 years as Chief Executive Officer of Wesfarmers Limited, an Australian conglomerate. During his time as CEO, Wesfarmers was transformed from a small rural-based, WA company to become one of Australia’s leading corporations with interests in coal mining, hardware retailing, fertilisers and chemicals, insurance and industrial distribution.

Mr Chaney graduated with Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Western Australia in 1972 and 1980, respectively. He completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1992 and has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Western Australia.

After obtaining his science degree, Mr Chaney worked for eight years as a petroleum geologist in Australia, the USA and Indonesia, and, after graduating as MBA, moved into investment banking with the Australian Industry Development Corporation.

Mr Chaney is Chancellor of the University of Western Australia and Chairman of the Australian Government’s Advisory Council on International Education. He is a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council, a member of the JP Morgan International Council and a director of the Australian think-tank, the Centre for Independent Studies.

Mr Chaney was named as an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2004 for services to business and the community.