Maree Adshead: A Trailblazer in Leadership, Governance, and Environmental Sustainability
Maree Adshead is a name synonymous with leadership and expertise in governance, operational excellence, stakeholder management, and environmental sustainability. With decades of experience in the public and private sectors, she has shaped industries through her work on advisory boards, executive positions, and her advocacy for small businesses and environmental conservation. In this article, we delve into the journey of Maree Adshead, her leadership roles, contributions to environmental sustainability, and her educational background.
Early Education and Career Development
Maree Adshead’s academic background laid a solid foundation for her success in governance and business leadership. She completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and later pursued a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Queensland. This academic journey equipped her with the legal expertise that would later inform her strategic decision-making in both the public and private sectors.
Her early career saw her joining Minter Ellison, a leading national law firm, where she worked as a partner. Her time at Minter Ellison honed her skills in legal practice, business strategy, and corporate governance. This experience prepared her for the leadership challenges she would later face.
Pioneering Leadership Roles
Throughout her career, Maree has taken on numerous high-profile leadership roles. As the Board Chair of Gladstone Ports Corporation Ltd, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the development and growth of one of Australia’s most important port operators. Her leadership at Gladstone Ports Corporation demonstrated her ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships while driving operational efficiency.
Maree Adshead also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Eco-Markets Australia, the first independent administrator of environmental markets in the country. Under her leadership, Eco-Markets Australia has focused on managing schemes like the Reef Credit Scheme, which aims to improve the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef Credit Scheme is an essential part of Australia’s efforts to preserve its natural resources, marking Maree as a key figure in environmental sustainability.
In addition to her roles at Gladstone Ports Corporation and Eco-Markets Australia, Maree has been involved in numerous boards and advisory positions, including:
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Chair of Turbine Sunshine Coast Ltd
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Non-Executive Director at ORCODA Limited
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Member of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland Advisory Council
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Chair of the Queensland Better Regulation Taskforce
These positions highlight her broad influence across various sectors, including environmental governance, transport logistics, and small business advocacy.
Advocacy for Small Businesses
Maree’s passion for supporting small businesses is evident through her work as the Queensland Small Business Commissioner from 2020 to 2022. In this role, she championed the needs of small business owners across Queensland, providing a voice for the often underrepresented sector. Her efforts in this position were aimed at ensuring that small businesses had access to the resources and support they needed to thrive in a challenging economic environment.
Her earlier role as the Queensland Small Business Champion, which she held from 2017 to 2020, also contributed to her strong reputation as a champion for small business interests. Through both roles, Maree helped shape public policy and initiatives that supported the growth and sustainability of small enterprises, a sector crucial to Queensland’s economy.
Environmental Sustainability Leadership
Maree’s leadership extends beyond traditional business and governance sectors into the realm of environmental sustainability. As the Chief Executive Officer of Eco-Markets Australia, she is driving Australia’s environmental efforts to a new level. Eco-Markets Australia administers programs aimed at improving environmental outcomes, such as reducing nutrient and pesticide runoff into the Great Barrier Reef.
Under her leadership, Eco-Markets Australia has been at the forefront of the nation’s push for carbon credit and environmental market systems, giving companies and individuals an opportunity to participate in the conservation of natural resources while supporting the economy.
Her work in environmental sustainability showcases a strong commitment to integrating corporate governance with eco-friendly practices, making her a respected figure in both the business and environmental communities.
Board and Advisory Experience
Maree’s governance experience is extensive, having served on multiple boards and advisory councils. She has held significant roles on:
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National Small Business Commissioners Council
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Business Registry Strategic Advisory Council
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Australian Taxation Office Small Business Stewardship Group
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Queensland Government’s Procurement Industry Advisory Group
These roles reflect her expertise in stakeholder management and her ability to shape national and regional policy. Her strategic influence has helped improve the regulatory and economic environments for businesses, particularly small enterprises.
A Visionary Leader in Operational Excellence
Maree Adshead’s approach to operational excellence is rooted in her belief in empowering teams and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. Her role as the Industry Chair for the Technology Council at CCIQ demonstrated her vision of bridging the digital divide and enhancing the way small businesses interact with technology. The council’s success under her leadership focused on enhancing the digital infrastructure and business practices for Queensland’s small business sector.
Her leadership in technology and innovation continues to impact the landscape of operational excellence, helping businesses across industries adopt best practices for growth and sustainability.
Conclusion
Maree Adshead’s career is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, governance, and a commitment to sustainability. From her legal background to her pioneering work in environmental markets, she has proven herself a dynamic leader with the ability to navigate complex challenges across a variety of sectors. Her continued advocacy for small businesses, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence makes her one of Australia’s foremost leaders in governance.
With a robust educational foundation, a wealth of governance experience, and a passion for environmental conservation, Maree Adshead is undoubtedly a role model for aspiring leaders in business and beyond.
