Perenti Chair Diane Smith-Gander AO has been recognised with the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ (AICD) WA Gold Medal Award, the highest individual honour awarded by the AICD in Western Australia. The award was presented at the AICD WA Annual Lunch at The Westin Perth on 21 August 2026.  

The AICD WA Gold Medal Award recognises an outstanding WA director who has made a significant and lasting contribution to corporate life, the community and the governance profession. Recipients are recognised for their leadership, integrity, commitment to good governance and contribution to the WA business community through mentoring, education and stewardship. 

Presenting the award, AICD WA Division Councillor David Lock FAICD highlighted Diane’s profound impact across business, governance and the broader community, describing a career marked by exceptional leadership, integrity and service to the governance profession. 

Diane currently serves as Chair of Perenti, Zip Co and HBF Health as well as Chancellor of UWA, following a distinguished career that included senior leadership roles at Westpac, partnership at McKinsey & Company, Chair of CEDA and President of Chief Executive Women. 

David noted Diane’s longstanding advocacy for good governance, diversity and leadership, and recognised her contribution to significant public policy reform and international sports governance. He said her leadership had helped shape Western Australia’s governance landscape while inspiring future generations of directors. 

Perenti Managing Director & CEO Vanessa Torres congratulated Diane on the recognition. 

“The AICD WA Gold Medal Award is a fitting recognition of Diane’s exceptional contribution to business, governance and the wider community throughout her distinguished career,” Ms Torres said. 

“Diane brings thoughtful leadership, deep governance expertise and a genuine commitment to creating positive impact through every organisation she serves. 

“We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from her guidance and stewardship as Chair of Perenti, and on behalf of our executive team and employees, I extend our sincere congratulations on this well-deserved honour.” 

The award adds to a distinguished list of achievements and recognises Diane’s decades-long contribution to governance excellence, leadership and corporate stewardship in Western Australia and beyond.