Noel Waite AO

Noel Waite is a well-known identity in the fields of human resources and women's affairs. She is Chair of the Waite Group, Director of the Australian Institute of Management and the State Training Board. Her background includes directorships of private, public sector and educational boards and committees.

She is Founder President of Women Chiefs of Enterprises International, the Australian Branch of World Women Entrepreneurs, and was a Member of the World Task Force for Strategic Planning. Noel has extensive networks, having written and delivered many papers both in Australia and overseas including 'Business Leaders in a World of Change', 'Restructuring and Developing Human Resources and Down-sizing', 'Global Partnerships and Human Resources for SMEs'.

She is a Certified Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants in Australia, Chartered Fellow of the Australian Human Resource Institute, Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors, Fellow and first woman President of the Australian Institute of Management, and is a member of the Australian and International Institutes of Career Counsellors.

In 1982, Noel established Womensearch, the only Executive Search firm of its type in Australia. Many senior women executives and directors have been placed as a result. In March 2001 the Waite Group was successful in securing the contract to manage the VicWomen Directory on behalf of the Office of Women's Policy.

The Directory is aimed at promoting women to Victorian Government Boards and Committees. Noel has also designed the successful Steps Career Development Programs including Top Steps for women in middle to senior management, the Ultimate Step for senior executive women and The Board Step for senior executives seeking personal mentoring and counselling for Board and/or Committee appointments. In 1993, Noel was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for 'service to business and management, particularly through advancing the development of women in management'.