Scotch College

OSCA July Luncheon

The dual attraction of an excellent Speaker together with the opportunity to farewell Leigh McGregor made every reason for the excellent attendance at the Australian Club for our July Luncheon.

Alex Sloan, Chairman, introduced Karen Wood, Company Secretary of BHP Billiton. Alex outlined her legal and academic career before her moving to the corporate world.

Karen told of the Secretary's role she now occupies which is in effect a dual job entailing the operation of two separate Companies. With BHP Billiton's large International spread that now requires 45 people reporting to her to managing the Secretarial affairs of this diverse Group.

The recent spin off of BHP Steel has now presented additional opportunity for the continuing progress in focusing BHP Billiton as a resource based Company.

There is no doubt Australia will continue to be the Operational Headquarters of the Group, which is among the top five Resources Companies in the world.

The number and variety of challenging issues with which Karen has to deal makes it an interesting and rewarding position.

The Company's substantial presence in all Continents means the need for a great understanding of a variety of legal and cultural life is essential.

The task required to deal with health problems, from malaria in Mogadishu to supplying family oriented accommodation for workers in HIV areas of Africa rather than hostels, are but some of the challenges presented to such an international group. It is indeed a very demanding range of questions, which are dealt with on a day-to-day basis.

Leigh was acknowledged and thanked for his great support over many years to the Luncheon Committee and the work he has done in promoting the regular lunches.

It was pleasing to have the opportunity for our newly appointed Executive Director Tim Shearer to meet our Luncheon regulars.