Robert Mansfield AO was born in Rabaul, New Guinea and educated at Barker College, Hornsby. He graduated from University of NSW in 1974 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Accounting. Mr Mansfield has a varied background in business across a wide range of industries and held the chief executive position at McDonald’s Australia, Wormald International, Optus Communications and John Fairfax. In 1997, he filled a number of specialist roles for the Federal Government including as Strategic Investment Coordinator within the Prime Minister’s Office. In November 1999, Mr Mansfield completed his Federal Government roles and was appointed director of Telstra Corporation. On 1 January 2000, he became Telstra’s non-executive chair until April 2004. His past directorships include McDonald’s Australia, CDS Technologies, Datacraft Asia, Dimension Data Holdings and Investec Bank (Australia).On 26 January 2000, Mr Mansfield was honoured with an Order of Australia award for his contribution to Australian business and economic development and to the telecommunications industry. On 15 December 2014, Mr Mansfield received a Doctor of Business degree, honoris causa, from The University of New South Wales in recognition of his business achievements, service to the community and to the University. He is chair of the board of governors for the Steve Waugh Foundation, chair of George Gregan Foundation, chair of National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, and chairman of the advisory board of Telco Together Foundation. Mr Mansfield is a member of the University of New South Wales Medicine Advisory Council.
