Distinguished alumna Heather Ridout AO awarded honorary doctorate
With over four decades of experience in business and public affairs, Heather Ridout is an influential leader. In recognition of her significant contributions to society, Ms Ridout has been awarded an honorary doctorate, presented to her in New York where she currently represents Australia as Consul-General.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott presided over the ceremony and celebrated Ms Ridout’s many achievements.
“Heather Ridout’s career is a testament to her dedication and leadership in the Australian business landscape. Her contribution to the business sector and visionary influence on public policy has created a legacy that continues to inspire future leaders.”
Professor Leisa Sargent, Dean of the University of Sydney Business School (left), Heather Ridout (AO), and Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott (right). Photo by Sierra Laffitte.
Ms Ridout’s path to success began at the University of Sydney, where she earned a degree in Economics. After graduating with honours, she became the first University-educated woman to hold a position at the Metal Trades Industry Association, starting as an industrial officer and eventually assuming the role of CEO when the Association merged with the Australian Chamber of Manufactures to form the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group).
During her 34 years with the Association, Ms Ridout became one of the most respected voices of the business sector and a leading figure in Australian public policy. In particular, she played a pivotal role in guiding the industry through the challenges brought about by the economic reforms of the Hawke-Keating era during the 1980s and 1990s.
Her contribution to the business sector and visionary influence on public policy has created a legacy that continues to inspire future leaders.
Ms Ridout has also held leadership positions within some of Australia’s most significant institutions, including the ASX, the Reserve Bank of Australia, Rand Corporation, Australian Super and Sims Ltd, the world’s largest publicly listed recycling company, at which she served as Director for over a decade.
She spent six years on the Board of Australian Super, Australia’s largest super fund, before assuming the role of Chair for a further six years – during which time assets for members and memberships increased dramatically.
Ms Ridout has advised governments and shaped public policy, with contributions including serving as a panellist for Australia’s Future Tax System review, being a member of the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Manufacturing, and a member of the board of the Climate Change Authority, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. She has co-chaired the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Dialogue and represented Australia as a delegate for the B20, the principal business advisory body to the G20 forum.
James Ridout (left), Ms Ridout's son and alumnus of the University, was at the conferral ceremony in New York. Photo by Sierra Laffitte.
In 2022, Ms Ridout made history as the first woman appointed to the role of Australian Consul-General in New York.
She has been awarded the Centenary Medal, Rotary International ‘s Vocational Excellence Award and named an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to business and industry. For several years she has been National President of the Order of Australia Association.
She holds Honorary Doctorates from Macquarie University, Federation University and the University of Ballarat.