Diploma in Technology of Commerce, 1976; Bachelor of Business, 1978
Russell Balding is Chairman of the Visitor Economy Taskforce established by the NSW Government to develop a tourism and events strategy to double visitor expenditure to NSW. He is also Deputy Chairman of the recently established Destination NSW Board and is a Non Executive Director of Cabcharge Australia Limited.
Balding has had a long and distinguished managerial career having held senior positions in a number of major organisations which have required extensive government, stakeholder, community and customer interaction.
I was attracted to the Diploma (and subsequent Business Studies Degree) course because I could do it part time - and work and study. I wanted to get into the workforce sooner rather than later.
Balding has recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Airport Corporation after a five year appointment where he oversaw the continued growth and commercial success of Australia's National Gateway Airport.
He is a former Managing Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) being responsible for the overall management and editorial functions of Australia's most comprehensive broadcaster and media institution and was its Director, Funding, Finance and Support Services prior to that appointment. Prior to joining the ABC, he was Director of Finance at the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority.
Balding has served on the Board of Tourism NSW as well as the Transport and Tourism Forum (TTF) Advisory Board.
He holds a Diploma in Technology (Commerce) and a Bachelor of Business and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of CPA Australia and a past State President of that organisation. Balding was awarded an Order of Australia (AO) in January 2007.
"NSWIT was about professionalism and applying your vocation in the workforce," he says. "Attending the Anthony Hordern's Brickfield Hill site was engaging and at times fun, but certainly not your typical university campus."