2021 PwC Director Award for Excellence in the WA Not-for-Profit Sector

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has announced that 2021’s PwC Director Award for Excellence in the WA Not-for-Profit Sector winner is prominent WA businessman John Atkins AO FAICD.

Mr Atkins is Western Australia’s former Agent General to the UK and Europe and had an extensive career in law and commerce, spanning 40 years.

He has significant experience as a non-executive director, in both board and chair positions, in a variety of companies and organisations which have included listed, private and government bodies in the areas of oil and gas, mining, finance, property, retail, infrastructure, health, construction, consulting, not-for-profit and gaming sectors. 

Mr Atkins had a five year tenure as Chair of Lotterywest, ten years on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Board and nine years as Deputy Chair of the Committee for Perth. Mr Atkins also has a long history of community involvement with previous board appointments on a number of hospital boards, Foodbank and Asialink.

Mr Atkins began his career in Perth as a lawyer and then partner in the now international law firm of Herbert Smith Freehills. Over the 30 years he was involved with the firm he held many senior positions including as board member and managing partner.

Currently, Mr Atkins holds the chair positions at Anglicare WA, Linear Clinical Research Ltd and Gold Estates Holdings Pty Ltd. He is also a board member at Screenwest. 

In January 2019, Mr Atkins was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the business and financial sectors, to the legal profession, and to the community.

WA State Manager, Carl Cockerham, said this award recognises the outstanding contribution of a director in the not-for-profit sector in Western Australia.

“The award aims to acknowledge a director who has exhibited leadership on director issues and promoted excellence in governance to achieve a positive impact for society and Mr Atkins’s many roles clearly display his outstanding contribution to the WA community.”

Mr Atkins said he was honoured to receive the award.

“To work as a director in the not-for-profit sector whilst also being a non-executive director in the for-profit sector is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I have been very fortunate to have been able to play a role in some great organisations with so many wonderful people who dedicate themselves, with purpose, to making a real difference in the lives of many in our communities.”

Media contact: Maegen Sykes 0439 167 567