The Business Council of Australia Board has announced Jennifer Westacott, currently a national lead partner at KPMG, as the organisation’s new chief executive. Ms Westacott takes over from Katie Lahey who left the BCA last week after almost a decade in the role.

BCA President Graham Bradley said Ms Westacott was selected from a strong field of applicants and has the credentials to lead the BCA in advocating the next stages of national interest reform.

“Jennifer is highly experienced and widely regarded in both the public and private sectors,” said Mr Bradley. “Her skill in facilitating understanding and cooperation between the two sectors will be central to her role with the BCA.”

In her current role with KPMG, where she is a member of the board, Ms Westacott leads the firm’s NSW Government Practice and the Climate Change, Water and Sustainability Practice. Servicing a range of public and private sector clients, the role involves fostering understanding and accord between government and business.

Before joining KPMG, Ms Westacott had more than 20 years experience working in state government in both NSW and Victoria, most recently as Director-General of the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. She has held senior executive positions spanning diverse public policy areas including housing, education, health and metropolitan planning.

She is a member of the Commonwealth Grants Commission and the Australian Aviation Task Force, chairs the Public Sector Performance Commission in South Australia and is also a member of SA’s Sustainable Budget Commission.

“Through Jennifer’s appointment, the board looks forward to a seamless transition as we advance our policy reform priorities around taxation, infrastructure, energy policy, a seamless national economy, health and education, and closing the opportunity gap between Indigenous Australians and the broader community.”