Audit and risk committee chair, member and advisor

Todd Davies is an experienced chair and member of audit and risk committees. He also serves as a non-executive, advisory board member and independent advisor on an ex-officio basis.

People usually engage Todd as a chair when they wish to take what they’re doing to the next level of relevance, performance and effectiveness. People also engage us as a member or an advisory member when they want to supplement their boards or committees with strong practical risk and audit expertise.

Our driving force and points of difference

It is important to get the right composition on any board or committee. This is where we fit.

  • Recognised leader nationally and internationally in risk and assurance best practice.
  • Commercially focused. Background in strategy, new ventures, product development and innovation.
  • Driven by customer outcomes and experience of internal service functions and end customer outcomes.
  • Flagship roles learning from the best including ASX Corporate Governance Council, head of audit and risk for Fairfax Media and global head of product for KPMG’s internal audit practice.
  • Deep expertise in strategic risk, emerging risk and business model disruption.
  • Seasoned and tested transformative chair in education, transport, public health and emergency management.
  • Our world view: In a significantly changing landscape – responses must match the challenges and opportunities coming our way. Tick box governance is not an option.

If you want your committee work to be targeted, relevant and making a difference this is where we fit. Once these areas are humming then we naturally pivot into strategy and innovation and customer outcomes. 

Have a read of the testimonials below to get a flavour for our operating style and then contact us for a CV and an exploratory conversation.

Optional interim step before appointment

New members and chairs bring different perspectives. Ours is heavily influenced by best practice that we see or are involved with across the ASX and internationally. We have a lot to contribute.

Before hiring us, we recommend commissioning us for an ARC pack review. This helps with our due diligence and relationship building but also taps our expertise out of session before we start.

It also helps deliver as much advice as possible up front rather than receiving advice only when those items reach the committee agenda. Its our way of extracting the value normally only received from multiple years of service and is incredibly well received.  For more click here.

About Todd Davies – a synopsis

Todd Davies is an experienced chair and member of audit and risk committees. He also serves as a non-executive, advisory board member and independent advisor. 

People usually engage Todd when they wish to take what they’re doing to the next level, particularly in agencies with complex delivery mandates and high levels of non-financial risk

Chairman roles have included the ARCs of Cancer Institute, NSW Education, South East Local Health District, Illawarra Shoalhaven Health Districts, Statewide Clinical Support Services (SA – pathology, imaging, pharmacy, BreastScreen) and City of Boorondara (Vic). He was also Chairman of GreenCollar Group – Australia’s leading environmental markets consultancy and Resilient Futures – a specialist firm building strategic capability around disruptive innovation.

He has been a member of the ARCs of Sydney Trains since its separation from RailCorp, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA), NSW State Emergency Service and was part of the reforms at Wollongong Council. Board roles include Honorary Treasurer and lead independent director of the ACF as well as other public and commercial boards.

He was formerly a longstanding member of the ASX Corporate Governance Council, inaugural head of audit and risk for Fairfax Media, global head of product for KPMG’s internal audit practice and national Technical and Policy Director for the Institute of Internal Auditors and convenor of their best practice and leadership roundtable for chief auditors of the ASX 50. All roles were ground breaking in their approach and systemic levels of change.

Since 2007 Todd has worked with audit and risk teams around the country to achieve excellence in what they do, with particular focus on the ARC mandate and experience and mentoring the next generation of chief auditors and chief risk officers. His ASX exposure and networks are significant his networks and expertise are brought to bear whenever relevant.

He is driven by working at a scale and pace relevant to the challenges and opportunities of our times and is drawn to organisations that are committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of many.

He works nationally and splits his time between Adelaide and Sydney.

What people say about Todd in ARC Roles

Here’s a few on the record comments from some of the people we’ve worked with in these roles.

“Todd is a top-shelf director who combines deep insight, amazing networks and compelling narrative to drive organisational performance. On his watch, the ACF has moved from strength to strength.” John Anstey, Honorary Secretary and Board Member, Australian Conservation Foundation, EGM Strategy and Innovation, Coliban Water

“He has a wonderful ability to ask deep and strategic questions to ensure the organisation was as effective and innovative as possible. He did this is an inquisitive manner, respectfully but decidedly, which empowered myself as the CEO to listen and create change where it was needed.” Kelly O’Shanassy, CEO, Australian Conservation Foundation

“The Board is most appreciative of the wise and energetic guidance you have given.” Board of Directors, Cancer Institute NSW

“You are well respected by the board, committee our internal audit team and management, earned by dedication and active participation, As Chair you provided strong leadership direction and support. I appreciate how generous you have been with your time and knowledge sharing.” Director Internal Audit, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

“The Committee thanked Mr Davies for his service, commitment and significant contributions to the district during his tenure. The Committee listed a number of attributes to describe Todd: genial, humorous, clever, scrupulous, knowledgeable, fair, hardworking. The combination of these characteristics are rare and he will be missed.” Audit and Risk Committee minute, major health district

“I learn something every time we talk.” Deputy Chief Executive, Major hospital network

“Todd has been an active member and substantial contributor to the business of the council. Todd’s skills (especially in the areas of risk and audit) were invaluable to the Council during its review of the first edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.” Eric Mayne Chairman, ASX Corporate Governance Council & Chief Supervision Officer at ASX

“I sat on the ASX Corporate Governance Council with Todd for six years. He was always extremely committed, enthusiastic, totally across his area of expertise and, most importantly on such a serious forum, fun.” Rob Elliot, GM Policy and General Counsel, AICD

“I would like to acknowledge your valuable contribution to the development and furtherance of sound corporate governance policies and practices. Council appreciates your sound and considered advice.” Coral Ross, Mayor, City of Boroondara

“Your commitment to driving substantial improvement in the Board’s leadership, effectiveness and performance has played a major role in ACF achieving the high standards of governance and strategic and fiduciary oversight that it has today.” Geoffrey Cousins AM, President Australian Conservation Foundation.

“It has been a delight working with you. We have been a good team and had a lot of fun along the way, but I have also learned a lot from you.” Experienced Chief Executive, board and committee chair. 

Panels and accreditation

Todd Davies is accredited and pre-approved under the following schemes.

  • NSW Government Prequalified Panel for Audit & Risk Committee Chairs and Members

  • IIA Aust Prequalified Panel for Audit & Risk Committee Chairs and Members

Need help with ARC succession?

Looking for a committee member or chair but not sure how to run the process or how to find the right person?  We can help.  Call Todd on 02 9043 1719 for a confidential discussion.