Our History

Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (Australia)

WCEI has its origins in France where ‘Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises’ (FCEM) was founded in February 1945, by a French industrialist, Madame Yvonne Foinant. The Australian affiliate organisation (now WCEI) was formed in 1985 with a small group of founder members in Victoria. Now, 35 years later, WCEI Australia has branches in NSW, VIC, TAS, and QLD.

Since 1985 WCEI has been led by accomplished business women taking on the role of National President. 2022 will reflect Chapter Eighteen in WCEI's history.

Chapter One

Introduction FCEM Parent Organisation

Chapter Two

(1985-1991) Victoria
Noel Waite, AO
Founder President

Chapter Three

(1991-1993) Queensland
Lorraine Martin AO

Chapter Four

(1993-1995) Victoria
Brenda Rossman, AM

Chapter Five

(1995-1997) Queensland
Janet Conrad, AM

Chapter Six

(1997-1999) South Australia
Noele Tolley, AM
ve Summary

Chapter Seven

(1999-2001) Victoria
Yvonne Von Hartel

Chapter Eight

(2001-2003) New South Wales
Ainsley Gotto

Chapter Nine

(2003-2005) Western Australia
Ros King

Chapter Ten

(2005-2007) Victoria
Katie Watkin

Chapter Eleven

(2007-2009) Queensland
Roz McAllan

Chapter Twelve

(2009-2011) Tasmania
Diane Tompson

Chapter Thirteen

(2011-2013) Aust. Capital Terrritory
Ondina Gregoric

Chapter Fourteen

(2013 - 2015) New South Wales
Julie Ankers

Chapter Fifteen

(2015 - 2017) Tasmania
Janis McKenna

Chapter Sixteen

(2017 - 2019) Queensland
Margot de Groot

Chapter Seventeen

(2019 - 2021) Queensland
Catherine Baudet

Chapter Eighteen

(2021 - 2023) New South Wales
Andrea Plawutsky

Becoming A Member

Membership by Nomination and Invitation

Membership is by invitation only. Proposed new members must be nominated by a current WCEI member and approved by their relevant resident State or Territory member committee.

If you are interested in membership, please reach out and we can provide you with further details.

Our Partners

WCEI is connected globally

WCEI Australia is affiliated with the international network known as Les Femmes Chefs d’Enterprises Mondiales (FCEM) and is also affiliated with or holds membership with a number of international organisations which share our beliefs, values and passions.

We also participate in a range of events and educational opportunities with partner organisations as well as holding regular events around Australia.