Distinguished Australian engineer Professor Mary O’Kane AC has commenced as Independent Director and Chair of the Board of strategic event bidding organisation Business Events Sydney (BESydney).
With a business and academic career spanning roles as a Dean of Engineering, a former university vice-chancellor, inaugural NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (2008-2018), and serving as member or chair on many Government and private sector boards and committees, Professor O’Kane brings an extraordinary breadth and depth of experience in the innovation, research, higher education, energy, ICT, public policy and development spheres to the BESydney Board.

Professor O’Kane said, “I am delighted to be joining the BESydney Board as Chair at a very exciting time in the company’s 55-year history. BESydney is a strong economic driver for the local visitor economy. Business events, and particularly global conferences, are a vital part of a major city. They are a great asset for building regional and global connectivity and are increasingly being used by governments globally as a platform for community impact.”
Professor O’Kane’s three-year term on the BESydney Board commenced on 1 February 2024.
More on the BESydney Board here.