Anna Bligh AC is a respected Australian leader and former premier of Queensland.

As CEO for the Australian Banking Association from 2017 – 2025, she led the banking industry through a period of critical reform, delivering on the recommendations of the Royal Commission while working to strengthen bank culture and maintain trust in the banking sector.

Anna was the Premier of Queensland from 2007 – 2012. She delivered significant economic reform to the state, including investment in infrastructure, science, innovation, and the arts. In 2011, Anna managed the state’s response to a devastating series of natural disasters including cyclones and floods.

After her retirement from politics, Anna was appointed CEO of YWCA, NSW with a mission to build a safer world for women and children.

She was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2017 for services to the Parliament of Queensland, and as an advocate for education, the role of women in public life and services to the not-for-profit sector.

Anna is an ambassador for The Glycomics Institute for the Malaria Vaccine, An Ambassador for the Leukemia Foundation, a non-executive director of Australian Plays Transform, a former non-executive Director of Medibank Private and holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of Queensland and Griffith University.

Anna was recently honoured with the Women’s College Fellow in March 2025 and the Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award from University of QLD in 2023.