Robert Powell FCA GAICD

Robert Powell is the founder and managing director of Family Boards.
He is a family business and succession planning specialist with over 35 years' experience in assisting private companies, family businesses and high net wealth family groups.

Robert was a senior partner in two of Australia's leading professional services organisations for 27 years until his retirement from public practice in 2022 to create FAMILY BOARDS. Robert is a Specialist Accredited Adviser of the Family Business Association, the peak body representing family businesses in Australia and New Zealand. He holds certificates in Family Business and Family Wealth Advising from the Family Firm Institute, is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Sydney, was a foundation member of the Federal Government’s Small Business Advisory Committee in 2008, and has previously been invited to participate in various Government think tanks including the ATO/Tax Practitioner Forum SME Working Group, and the Expert Panel to the Board of Taxation.

In recognition of his expertise and service to family business over many years, Robert was the inaugural recipient of Family Business Australia's Accredited Adviser Award for 2018/19.

Robert is also a Chair of The Leadership Think Tank Australia, a peer support network for business owners, entrepreneurs, CEO's and senior executives of some of Australia's best known companies.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

 

Relevant experience includes:

  • Developing and facilitating a family succession plan for a large Sydney western suburbs family business (Manufacturing – revenues +$400m);
  • Development of a governance framework and appointment to the Board advisory committee for a large Sydney western suburbs family business (Manufacturing – revenues +$150m);
  • Developing and implementing family succession plan for large Sydney western suburbs family business (Retail – revenues +$150m);
  • Facilitating development of family governance framework including Family Council and Family Charter for various large NSW-based family businesses;
  • Chairing monthly meetings of The Leadership Think Tank, including coaching and mentoring the members who include entrepreneurs, business owners and senior executives