Govt boards strengthened by WA execs

Two Perth business executives have been appointed to government boards, with Kellie Benda joining the federal government’s Foreign Investment Review Board and Karen Brown added to Lotterywest's board of commissioners.

Ms Benda has been appointed to the FIRB for a five-year term, bringing a wealth of knowledge across a range of industries including mining and resources, energy, utilities, infrastructure, technology, health services and agriculture.

The senior director and company executive formerly worked as DJ Carmichael executive director head of corporate finance for three years, RAC WA executive general manager for five years, and Emeco Group executive general manager for one year.

Ms Benda’s career took her across Australia, where she completed a series of two-year stints as Origin Energy chief risk officer in Sydney, AGL Australia group executive in Melbourne and finally, property conveyancer Deep Blue Company chief operating officer, also in Melbourne.

After returning to Western Australia, she joined several boards and continues to serve as non-executive director at Brightwater Care Group, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Aurora Energy and Geoscape Australia.

Ms Benda was a 40under40 winner in 2008.

Karen Brown is set to bring a wealth of expertise to her new job on Lotterywest’s board of commissioners.

Ms Brown had a career in media, notably serving as chief of staff and deputy editor at The West Australian and later as WA editor of The Australian.

She went on to work in several advisory and communications roles before joining Cannings Purple as national director in 2014.

Ms Brown held this position for eight years before transitioning to become non-executive chair, a role she continues to hold.

Beyond Cannings Purple, Ms Brown has also served on the boards of Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, South Metropolitan Health Service, Australian Press Council, Women’s Legal Service WA, Hawaiian Ride for Youth and The Salvation Army.