Des Powell AM brings a background of senior executive management gained in the private and public sectors in Australia and Asia.

He formed  Powell Management Services in 2000 and it operated until June 2015 as a boutique consultancy providing executive management services with a strong focus on delivering pragmatic and commercially effective results for clients. 

 

Des currently is appointed as a  Commissioner of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, a Director of Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and a member of the Committee of Management of Working Heritage. Des's is also Chair of Mackillop Family Services.

His previous appointments include roles as a Commissioner and Deputy Chair of the National Transport Commission,  Director (including time as Deputy Chair) of the Port of Melbourne Corporation and Independent Chair of National Marine Safety Committee and as Director of Barwon and Goulburn Murray Water. At the commencement of 2013 he  retired  as Chair of Edmund Rice Education Australia and as Chairperson of the Victroian Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council.

 

During recent years Des has completed two assignments for the Victorian Government as a Part time Commissioner of State Services Authority.  In 2007 he led a review of the institutional and governance arrangements for Alpine Resorts in Victoria and in 2009, a review of the Institutional and Governance arrangements for the Shrine of Remembrance 

 

In October 2008 Des was appointed by Commonwealth Minster of Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government to Chair Review of NSW Grain Freight requirements. This major review involved leading a review secretariat, a consulting team and a Ministerial appointed Task Force of 15 members from interested stakeholders. The review was completed in May 2009.

Des was recognised  in the 2013 Queens Birthday Honours list  as a Member of the Order of Australia(AM) for significant service to business and commerce and to the community.