Vanessa Bourne is an accomplished corporate lawyer and governance professional with deep expertise in legal strategy, risk management, and corporate governance. She has held senior executive roles, including General Counsel and Company Secretary, where she has provided trusted counsel to Boards, CEOs, and executive teams across complex regulated sectors.
Vanessa’s legal leadership spans commercial contracts, litigation, compliance, environmental law, and governance. She is known for her ability to lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams and for aligning legal and operational strategies with broader organisational goals. Her approach combines strategic insight with a strong commitment to ethical leadership and regulatory integrity.
She has also held prominent executive roles in the higher education sector, including Executive Director of Strategic Projects at the University of Wollongong and President of UOW College Hong Kong. In these roles, Vanessa led major institutional initiatives, strengthened governance frameworks, and delivered operational efficiencies in dynamic, matrixed environments.
Vanessa is recognised for her ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes while fostering innovation, collaboration, and accountability. She is passionate about empowering teams and building inclusive, values-driven cultures.
With a proven track record in governance excellence and strategic execution, Vanessa brings valuable insight and leadership to boardrooms, particularly in organisations undergoing transformation or operating in highly regulated industries.
