Kerry Stokes

Kerry Stokes AC holds business interests in a diverse range of industries including electronic and print media, property, mining, and construction equipment. He is most widely known as the chairman of Seven Group Holdings, which owns Caterpillar mining equipment franchisee Westrac and is the biggest shareholder in Seven West Media, one of the largest publishing and broadcasting corporations in Australia. SWM owns the Seven Network and The West Australian newspaper.

Mr Stokes is a noted philanthropist, with a special interest in art and military memorabilia. His private company, Australian Capital Equity, is the holding company for interests in a diverse range of Australian and international businesses and ventures covering property, construction, mining and petroleum exploration.

Mr Stokes’ many board memberships include member of the International Council for Museum & Television, former chair of the National Gallery of Australia, and former council member of the Australian War Memorial where he served for 15 years (including more than 6 years as chair).

In 1995, Mr Stokes was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to business and commerce to the arts and to the community. In 2008, he was invested as a Companion of the Order of Australia for services to business and commerce through strategic leadership and promotion of corporate social responsibility, to the arts through executive roles and philanthropy, and to the community, particularly through contributions to organisations supporting youth.

In October 2020, Curtin University awarded Mr Stokes an honorary science doctorate for his significant and sustained contribution to child health research in WA.