It is with both sadness and immense gratitude that we announce the departure of Lisa Annese as CEO of Diversity Council Australia (DCA), effective 20 December 2024. After more than ten transformative years leading DCA, Lisa will be stepping down from her role, leaving behind a legacy of progress and impact.
Over the past decade, Lisa has played an instrumental role in shaping DCA into Australia’s leading body for workplace diversity and inclusion. Her visionary leadership has driven numerous groundbreaking initiatives that have empowered our member organisations to strengthen their diversity and inclusion capabilities.
“From world-class, evidence-based research tools to inspiring events, knowledge programs, and expert advice, Lisa has left an indelible mark on DCA’s mission,” said Sunita Gloster, DCA Board Chair.
Among her many achievements, Lisa’s leadership was pivotal in establishing Australia’s first national index on workplace inclusion, the Inclusion@Work Index, which continues to provide essential insights for creating more inclusive workplaces.
“Her tireless advocacy for policy reforms has improved workplace rights for marginalised groups and contributed to a more productive and equitable economy,” added Sunita.
Lisa’s impact on the diversity and inclusion community will be felt long after her departure.
“She leaves a legacy of inspiration and progress for our members, the wider D&I community, and workplaces at large. We will miss her passion, vision, and friendship,” said Sunita on behalf of the DCA Board and Executive team.
The DCA Board has already begun the process of identifying the next leader to continue driving our mission forward and will share updates on this transition in due course.
“We thank Lisa for her years of dedication and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
We also want to thank our members for their ongoing support and commitment to creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. We look forward to continuing this journey together.”