Lisa Annese is the CEO of Chief Executive Women (appointed January 2025), dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. Previously, she served a decade as CEO of Diversity Council Australia, where she spearheaded landmark research on the gender pay gap, workplace inclusion, and cultural diversity.

A prominent advocate for legislative reform, Lisa sits on the NSW Women’s Advisory Council and the federal Respect at Work Council. Her extensive career includes pivotal roles at the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), where she developed the first census of women in leadership and established the "Employer of Choice for Women" citation—work for which she received a Medal for Significant Contribution to the Australian Public Service.

Named one of the AFR’s 100 Women of Influence, Lisa also serves on the boards of Amnesty International Australia and Women for Election, continuing her lifelong commitment to driving systemic social and corporate change.