General David Morrison concluded his appointment as Australia’s Chief of Army in May 2015. During a 36-year career as a soldier he saw operational service in Bougainville and East Timor and as an Australian Army Officer led troops from platoon level all the way up to three-star General - Chief of Army. His loyalty to his profession and outstanding performance was recognised by being made an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2010.
He has faced many leadership challenges but is probably best known for his strong public stance on gender equality and leading cultural change in large organisations. His three-minute address, via video, to his workforce in the wake of a particular instance of poor behaviour by a group of officers and senior soldiers attracted worldwide attention for its power and moral clarity. Click here to view.
In his post military career he is Chair of the Diversity Council Australia, a board member of Our Watch which tackles the culture, behaviours and attitudes that underpin violence against women and their children and has a range of advisory and speaking roles focusing on diversity, organisational change and institutional culture.
The Australian Financial Review named him as one of Australia’s leading influences on culture in 2014 and Boss Magazine included him in its top dozen leaders in Australia in the same year. General Morrison was also named the ACT Australian of the Year for 2016.