David Thodey is currently Chair of both Tyro Payments and Xero, and a Director of Ramsay Health Care. Until recently, he was also Chair of the Commonwealth Science, Industry & Research Organisation (the national research organisation for Australia).

As set out in its Strategy 2020, the CSIRO creates benefit for Australia through impactful science and innovation.

In 2020 Mr Thodey was appointed Deputy Chair of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The commission is designed to better coordinate the efforts within and between the public and private sectors.

Mr Thodey was appointed to lead the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service in 2019 and is currently leading a review of the Federal Financial Relationship between the Commonwealth and State of NSW.

Mr Thodey is also a non-executive Board Director of Ramsay Health Care, a global hospital group.

Previous experience includes:

Telstra: Mr Thodey was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director of Telstra from May 2009, until he formally retired from the CEO position on 30 April 2015.  He joined Telstra in April 2001 as Group Managing Director of Telstra Mobiles and in 2002 was appointed Group Managing Director Telstra Enterprise and Government. In this role, he was responsible for the company's corporate, government and large business customers in Australia and internationally.

IBM: Before joining Telstra, Mr Thodey’s 22-year career at IBM comprised a number of senior marketing and sales positions including Chief Executive Officer of IBM Australia/New Zealand. He is an experienced board chairman and director. He has worked in Asia for over 25 years.

Board Memberships: Former board memberships include co-chair of the Infrastructure and Investment Taskforce of the B20 leadership group, and Chairman of IBM ANZ, TelstraClear, Information Technology (IT) Skills Hub, Industry Groups and Basketball Australia. He was also on the Board of the GSM Association, the global body of carriers and related companies that supports the standardisation and deployment of mobile technology around the world.

He has extensive experience in information and communications technology (ICT), digital business, data services and digital services. He is known as an inspiring leader who builds extraordinary teams and winning cultures by creating career opportunities that challenge, provide a strong learning environment, and enable top talent to have an impact.