Current as of 1/06/2023

Kathy has almost 20 years’ experience as a non-executive director in the energy, manufacturing and utilities industries. Her current roles include Chair, Powerlink Queensland and director of Sims Ltd and Central Petroleum.

Kathy brings to her board roles corporate and commercial experience gained as a CEO, as well as expertise in operational risk management, safety, corporate governance, and a passion for leading people. She has served as Chair of various Board Risk, People and Safety committees.

A chemical engineer, Kathy had 20 years of leadership experience with BP in oil refining, logistics and exploration, located in Australia, the UK & Turkey. Her last executive role was Managing Director of BP’s Bulwer Island Refinery in Brisbane.

Kathy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 and was an officer in the Australian Army Reserve for over 20 years. She was awarded a Doctor of Engineering honoris causa by the University of Queensland in 2023.

Ms Katherine Hirschfeld is widely known and respected as an influential engineer, a Chief Executive of a significant engineering organisation, and an energetic and effective leader, both within her workplace and with the wider community. She is a passionate advocate for the encouragement and advancement of women in science and technology and also devotes time and energy to social issues and sustainability. She regularly speaks in public and is fearless in expressing her views. Ms Hirschfled has demonstrated her willingness and capability of making a substantial contribution to the engineering profession and to her community at large.