Mr David Olsson AM

David Olsson is the Chair of the ANU Foundation Board. He brings extensive experience as a lawyer, non-executive director and business leader in international trade, investment and financial markets across Australia, the UK, the Middle East, and Asia. Over his 30-year career with King & Wood Mallesons, he has held numerous senior management roles, including as Managing Partner, Australia, and senior partner in the firm’s Hong Kong and Beijing offices. He is currently and International Director at the firm.

Appointed Chair of the Foundation Board in January 2024, Mr Olsson previously served as a member and Deputy Chair. He is National President of the Australia Chinese Business Council and a member of the advisory board of ANU’s Australian Centre on China in the World. Additionally, he is a business champion for the Australian Government’s “New Colombo Plan”, which supports the exchange of students between Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. He also served as Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce in Beijing and has been a board member of several international and Australian companies.

Mr Olsson has a LL.B from ANU and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2024, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to Australia China business relations and to the law.