With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Michael Byrne has established himself as a seasoned Global C-suite executive and Non-Executive Director. His expertise in strategic planning, operational management, and financial stewardship has left an indelible mark across diverse industries and geographies, including Australia, New Zealand, North America, Oceania, Europe, sub-continent, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Michael’s executive journey encompasses leadership roles in global logistics, supply chain management, multinational corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, retail, infrastructure, utilities, and property sectors. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to driving deep transformation within organizations and executive teams to optimize outcomes for all stakeholders.
In recent years, Michael has played pivotal roles in high-profile acquisitions, serving on due diligence teams for major transactions involving Ausgrid, Sydney Airport, and Peel Ports UK and Ireland. Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he was appointed by the Federal Government to assist in establishing international air freight, subsequently advising on export supply chains and contributing to the Simplified Trade Systems Task Force.
A key focus of Michael’s current endeavors involves partnering with large family-owned businesses to facilitate their strategic repositioning for growth and enhanced market share.
Throughout his recognised career, Michael has held esteemed positions such as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Director of Toll Group Holdings; Chief Executive Officer of Coates Hire; Linfox and Westgate Holdings. He has also served as a Non-Executive Director of Australia Post.
Currently, Michael serves on the Boards of Ausgrid Asset, Management, Finance and Operator Partnership, NSW Ports, and Peel Ports UK. He holds a Senate membership and chairs the ARC and an active member of the Chancellors Advisory Board for the University of Western Australia. Additionally, he acts as a Strategic Advisor on Infrastructure to IFM Investors and Australian Super, while also serving as the Chair of HSE Global, a specialist safety consulting group. Recent appointments include board positions with Sydney Airport, CBH Group, and the National Intermodal Corporation.
Michael’s commitment to public service is evident through his past involvement on numerous government boards advising on transportation, infrastructure, food security, and security matters. He has also dedicated his time to charitable causes, including serving on the board of OzHarvest, a food charity, and participating in education committees for Victoria University and the University of Denver.
Educationally, Michael holds a Master of Science in Transportation and Infrastructure from the University of Denver, USA. He has completed management training at the Darden School of Management at the University of Virginia and the International Management Program at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In recognition of his contributions, Michael was appointed as the inaugural Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics at Deakin University in 2017.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael finds fulfillment in his family life, being married to Leah for over 30 years and raising three adult children – Sarah, Jacob, and Isaac. He has dedicated over two decades to serving as a patrol captain and board coach at Elouera Surf Club, Sydney, and has coached children’s sports in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire for more than 30 years.