Throughout our 130 year history, our Boards of Directors have featured leaders in business, law – and government. Some a mix of all three.
A number of our Directors served as Victoria Premiers – and another two as Prime Minister.
Our first Director, Sir Charles Sladen, was Victoria’s 6th Premier and served from May – July in 1868. Sir Charles was a Director of Equity Trustees from 1878 – 1884. Born in England in 1816, he migrated to Australia with his wife in 1842.
Sir William Hill Irvine, Victoria’s 21st Premier from 1902 – 1904, was born in Ireland. Serving on our Board from 1907 – 1918, he was an early motoring enthusiast and was patron of the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria until he died in 1918.
Australia’s 8th Prime Minister from 1923 – 1929, Stanley Melbourne Bruce served as Director of Equity Trustees from 1918 – 1921. Born in St. Kilda in 1883, Stanley was responsible for establishing Canberra as our national capital. Awarded a Military Cross in WW1, he held the position of Australia’s High Commissioner in London during WW2.
Sir Robert Gordon Menzies was Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister. He held the office twice, from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. Born at Jeparit, Victoria in 1894, he was appointed as a King’s Counsel in 1929. Sir Robert served as Director of Equity Trustees from 1936 – 1939.
In August 2017 we proudly announced the appointment of the Hon. Jeff Kennett as our new Chairman. Jeff served as the 43rd Premier. It is interesting to note that Jeff’s great-grandfather, Edward Fanning served as a Director for 30 years from 1888 – 1917.