Treasurer

Hamish McDonald

Hamish completed his MSc. (Hons) degree in organic chemistry at Auckland University in 1983. He was initially employed in the NZ pharmaceutical industry as a QC chemist, before moving into a lab supervisor role. A short-term R&D secondment into animal health vaccine technologies led onto an animal health vaccine production management role, which provided good background and experience for a subsequent more senior pharmaceutical production management role.

In 1989, Hamish relocated to Australia, and moved through increasingly senior management roles spanning production management, logistics, business processes, and business technology, ultimately looking after business technology operations across Asia, China, and India for a pharmaceutical business unit with revenues of $4+billion pa. This role encompassed overall responsibility for delivering technology strategy and IT operations delivery with budget and staff management accountability across 12 markets. The role also required strategy input and support to regional and country management teams.

During his career he has undertaken post-graduate study at Macquarie University, and management development programs at London and Harvard Business Schools. He has also been actively involved in broader development pursuits, including management of several corporate superannuation funds, leading the Medicines Australia IT working group, and director/treasurer of a medical research charity.

Hamish has been a member of the NZ Institute of Chemistry since 1983, and remains a passionate advocate for science, and the support of diverse representation in STEM education and careers. His other interests include management and mentoring consulting, aviation, and sailing.