The Business Council of Australia today announced the election of Tony Shepherd as its new president for a term of two years effective Friday 11 November 2011.

Mr Shepherd is one of Australia’s most highly respected and passionate business leaders.

His well-informed and candid perspective on business, government, sport and politics have made him a popular and respected contributor to these sectors.

Mr Shepherd has been chairman of listed company Transfield Services since 2005. Transfield Services provides services to the resources, infrastructure, industrial, property and defence sectors.

His executive career with Transfield was extensive, beginning in 1979. It spanned divisional and regional responsibilities and senior executive roles, particularly in major projects development. He pioneered private sector development and ownership of infrastructure in Australia.

Mr Shepherd oversaw the public listing of Transfield Services Limited (finalised in 2001) as well as the listings of Transurban Limited and the ConnectEast Group.

He is a Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, a Trustee of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust and Chairman of the new AFL club the GWS Giants. 

Mr Shepherd has been involved in some of Australia’s most significant projects including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the Anzac Warships, Melbourne’s CityLink, the EastLink Toll Road in Victoria, the Walsh Bay Redevelopment and the Victorian Desalination Project.

Mr Shepherd takes over tomorrow from Graham Bradley, who has served as president for the past two years.

Also joining the BCA Board are members Gail Kelly, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Westpac Group and Grant King, the Managing Director of Origin Energy Limited.