Biography of Shemara Wikramanayake: Founder & CEO of Macquarie Group
Biography of Shemara Wikramanayake:
Shemara's Early Life and Journey to Australia
Shemara Wikramanayake, born in England in 1962, comes from a
Sri Lankan background. Her father, Ranji, was a doctor, and her family moved to
Australia in the 1970s when Shemara was 14. The family arrived with very
little, only about $200, after facing hardships in England, including
allegations against her grandfather. They settled in Sydney, Australia, where
her father started working at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Despite facing
challenges, Shemara’s family adapted to their new life in Australia.
Educational Background and Legal Beginnings
Shemara's educational journey began in London before moving
to Australia, where she attended Ascham School in Sydney. She pursued higher
education at the University of New South Wales, earning both a Bachelor of
Commerce and a Bachelor of Law in 1985. Determined to further her expertise,
she also completed the prestigious Advanced Management Program at Harvard
Business School in 1996, setting the foundation for her future career in
business.
Early Career as a Corporate Lawyer
Before diving into the world of banking, Shemara started her
career as a corporate lawyer at Blake Dawson Waldron, a leading Australian law
firm. This legal experience sharpened her analytical skills and provided a deep
understanding of corporate strategy, which would prove invaluable in her future
roles in the business world.
Joining Macquarie Group
In 1987, Shemara joined Macquarie Group Ltd., marking the
beginning of a long and successful career with the company. Over the years, she
played a crucial role in expanding the company’s reach, including heading its
corporate advisory office in New Zealand and establishing offices in Hong Kong
and Malaysia. Her leadership and strategic vision helped to grow Macquarie’s
presence in international markets.
Rise to Leadership at Macquarie
Shemara’s career at Macquarie flourished, and in 2008, she
was appointed as the head of Macquarie Asset Management. In this role, she
significantly expanded the company’s portfolio and cemented its position as a
top-tier global asset manager. Her contributions were instrumental in
Macquarie’s rise to prominence within the global financial landscape.
Becoming CEO of Macquarie Group
In December 2018, Shemara reached the pinnacle of her career
when she was appointed the Managing Director and CEO of Macquarie Group, taking
over from Nicholas Moore. She made history as the first female CEO of the
company and became only the sixth person to hold the role in its history. This
marked a new era for Macquarie under her leadership.
Advocacy for Renewable Energy
As CEO, Shemara has been a passionate advocate for climate
change and sustainability. She has been vocal about the need to increase
renewable energy production, calling on governments to quadruple renewable
energy output by 2030. Her stance on this issue highlights her commitment to
tackling global climate change and fostering sustainable development.
Leadership in Climate Initiatives
Shemara’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom. In 2018,
she was appointed as a Commissioner of the Global Commission on Adaptation, a
body initiated by the World Bank. The commission aims to accelerate global
action on climate adaptation. She was also named to the UN's Climate Finance
Leadership Initiative by Michael Bloomberg, solidifying her position as a key
player in international climate finance discussions.
Breaking Barriers as a Female CEO
Shemara made history not only as the first female CEO of
Macquarie Group but also as the first Asian-Australian woman to lead an ASX 200
listed company. She is currently the only female CEO among Australia’s 20
largest companies by market value, a significant achievement in a
male-dominated corporate world. In 2019, Shemara made further headlines as
Australia’s highest-paid CEO.
Biography of Shemara Wikramanayake: Founder & CEO of Macquarie Group/Asset Management/entrepreneur/startup/age/net worth/Macquarie Group story
Recognition as a Global Business Leader
Her success has not gone unnoticed. Shemara has been
consistently ranked among the world’s most powerful women. Forbes ranked her
29th in 2020 and 24th in 2021. She was also featured in Fortune's list of the
most influential women in business, further highlighting her global influence
and leadership. In 2023, she was ranked 9th on Fortune's list of Most Powerful
Women.
Leading the Charge at COP26
At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference
(COP26), Shemara was a key speaker, discussing the importance of mobilizing
private climate finance for emerging markets. Her presence at the conference
was a testament to her leadership on environmental issues, and her voice
carried weight as she advocated for private-sector investment in climate
solutions.
Acknowledging Her Leadership Amidst Challenges
Shemara’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was
especially commendable. She was named the Australian Financial Review Business
Person of the Year in 2021 in recognition of her ability to guide Macquarie
through uncertain times. Under her direction, Macquarie performed remarkably
well, recording a $1.3 billion profit in the final quarter of 2021.
Substantial Compensation and Business Success
Shemara’s hard work and leadership at Macquarie have been
well compensated. In 2021, she received $16.39 million in total compensation,
and in 2022, she earned a staggering $23.7 million, making her the highest-paid
CEO in Australia for two consecutive years. Her leadership has been crucial in
driving Macquarie’s financial success, contributing to the company’s strong
market performance.
Personal Life and Family
Despite her high-powered career, Shemara maintains a balance
with her personal life. She is married to Ed Gilmartin, an investment banker,
and they have two children. Shemara also has an elder sister who is a lawyer
and a brother who is a surgeon. Her family’s journey from Sri Lanka to
Australia shaped her values and work ethic, which continue to guide her
professional and personal endeavors.
Looking to the Future
As Shemara looks to the future, she remains committed to
Macquarie’s growth and global leadership, particularly in the areas of climate
finance and sustainable investing. Her work continues to inspire others,
especially women and minorities in the corporate world, showing that with
resilience and dedication, one can break barriers and reach the highest levels
of success.
Timeline for story
1962: Shemara Wikramanayake is born in England to Sri Lankan
parents.
1970s: Family moves to Australia with limited resources.
1985: Shemara graduates with Bachelor of Commerce and
Bachelor of Law from UNSW.
1996: She completes the Advanced Management Program at
Harvard Business School.
1987: She joins Macquarie Group Ltd.
2008: Appointed head of Macquarie Asset Management.
2018: Becomes the first female CEO of Macquarie Group.
2018: Appointed Commissioner of the Global Commission on
Adaptation.
2019: Becomes Australia’s highest-paid CEO.
2020: Ranked 29th on Forbes' list of the world's most
powerful women.
2021: Key speaker at COP26 and named Australian Financial
Review Business Person of the Year.
2021: Receives $16.39 million in total compensation.
2022: Earns $23.7 million, maintaining her position as
Australia's highest-paid CEO.
2023: Ranked 9th on Fortune's list of Most Powerful Women.
