Diversity Council Australia (DCA) today announced the appointment of Catherine Hunter as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), set to commence in March 2025.
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Catherine is a purpose-driven leader who combines strategic business expertise with a strong commitment to diversity and social impact.
Catherine joins DCA from Woolworths Group Limited where she served as Group General Manager Inclusion and Belonging from 2021. Prior to this, Catherine spent more than 16 years at KPMG Australia, most recently as Partner, Corporate Citizenship. During her time at KPMG, she held several key leadership roles, including Co-lead of KPMG Indigenous Services and Director and Head of Corporate Citizenship.
Her leadership positions extend beyond the corporate sector, with previous roles as State Manager of the Australia Business Arts Foundation and Development Executive at the Sydney Opera House Trust.
DCA Board Chair Sunita Gloster AM welcomed Catherine on behalf of DCA.

Catherine Hunter
“Catherine has a deep understanding of how to engage leaders across business, government and community in diversity and inclusion,” Sunita said.
“Her role leading inclusion at one of Australia’s largest employers, coupled with her experience in ESG, specifically in business and human rights, will be invaluable as DCA works to support its members’ needs and address Australia’s workplace opportunities and challenges.
“DCA’s membership base comprises a broad cross section of Australian workplaces – from ASX 100 business and government agencies through to small business. Through our members and our research, we know that workplace inclusion promotes innovation, enhances collaboration, and is key to better business performance. Catherine’s proven track record in building and delivering inclusive workplaces for the benefit of individuals, business outcomes and the broader Australian community made her a standout choice for the leadership of DCA.”
In addition to her corporate experience, Catherine also brings significant governance experience. She is currently a Non-Executive Director for Studio Schools Australia, a groundbreaking innovation in Indigenous education seeing outstanding results in achieving higher school attendance for First Nations children in remote areas. Catherine also served as founding Director and Chairperson of the UN Global Compact Network Australia, the principal sustainability initiative for business in Australia, from 2011 to 2019.
Catherine is excited to step into the role of CEO and looks forward to leading DCA.
“I’m thrilled to be joining DCA at such a vital time for diversity and inclusion across Australia’s workplaces,” Catherine said.
“Building upon the strong foundations laid by former CEO Lisa Annese and the DCA team, I look forward to working with our members as their trusted partner to strengthen their inclusive work practices that enable people to thrive and perform at their best.”
Catherine will commence as DCA CEO in March 2025. DCA Deputy Board Chair, Chris Lamb will continue to serve as Interim CEO until then and will work alongside Catherine during the early stages of her tenure to ensure a smooth transition.
Media Contact
DCA: Ali Coulton | media@dca.org.au
About DCA
Diversity Council Australia is the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We provide unique research, inspiring events and programs, curated resources and expert advice across all diversity dimensions to a community of over 1,300 member organisations. Our member organisations are estimated to employ over two million Australians, representing almost 20% of the workforce.