School Board

BEng (Hons), BCom 

Peter brings a strong professional and financial skill set to the Ruyton Board, with over 20 years’ experience as an investment banker in Australia and the UK. A Founding Partner of financial services company Barrenjoey, Peter specialises in advisory and capital market transactions. Prior to this role, he was an Executive Director at UBS. 

Peter has been a member of the Ruyton Board since 2019, joined The Ruyton Foundation Committee in 2017 (Foundation Chair since 2021) and was appointed to the role of Board President in 2023.

Member of the Ruyton Foundation Committee
Old Ruytonian (1987) 
LLB, BCom 

With many years of professional experience in commercial law practice, three years as Auburn Primary School’s Council President and time on the Melbourne Theatre Company Foundation Board, Fiona brings an understanding of policy, governance, school finances, building projects and strategies for fundraising and nurturing a culture of philanthropy to Ruyton. 

Fiona has been a member of the Ruyton Board since 2016 and served as The Ruyton Foundation Chair for four years.

MBA (Hons), BEng 

Bruce is a partner with SPP, a high-impact management consultancy firm with market leading capabilities in the education, government and private sector. A former strategy consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, Bruce was Chief Operating Officer for the ASX listed Skilled Group and worked in R&D and ran manufacturing facilities for Kraft Food. Bruce has also held several senior executive roles at the University of Melbourne, including leading the University's international and domestic recruiting through the successful implementation of the Melbourne Model. 

With more than 20 years’ consulting and operational capabilities in education, Bruce has commercial expertise in developing increasing student engagement and outcomes through research and innovation, with specialised knowledge in the interface between digital opportunities and data. 

Bruce has been a member of the Ruyton Board since 2017.

GAICD

David Bidmead is CEO (United States) of Marsh, a global insurance broker and risk advisor company. A proven leader and visionary change agent with global experience in insurance brokerage, risk advisory management and corporate governance skills, David’s record of accomplishments includes two years as Marsh's US West Zone Leader and four years as Marsh's Pacific Region Head and CEO of Australia. 

Joining the Ruyton Board in 2022, David is a member of the Governance Committee.

GAICD, LLB, BA

Chris is currently the Executive General Counsel and Company Secretary for Service Stream Limited (an ASX200 utilities and telecommunications contractor). In his role, Chris works closely with the Board, Managing Director and the Executive Management team on legal, compliance, risk and governance related matters. 

With over 20 years’ professional experience, Chris has previously held senior legal positions in the construction industry and worked in the construction and projects divisions of leading private practice international law firms in Australia and the Middle East. 

Chris has been a member of the Ruyton Board since 2019.

Old Ruytonian (Blomquist, 1992) 
BA

Melanie has more than 20 years’ experience working at Accenture in senior consulting roles for blue chip financial services clients and sales, strategy and operations. She has experienced first-hand the rapid pace of technological change and how there is a need to prepare future workers to be adaptable, technologically capable and astute learners to acquire new skills and navigate multiple career paths. This insight led to an interest in the education and future of younger generations. With her corporate experience and personal acumen derived from voluntary roles, such as the President of West Hawthorn Pre-School, Melanie offers a wide range of relevant expertise to Ruyton. 

Melanie has been a member of the Ruyton Board since 2016.

LLB (Hons), BEc 

As General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer at Future Fund (Australia's sovereign wealth fund), Cameron advises the Chair and senior management personnel on legal, governance and governmental matters. 

Previously a Partner and Board Member at law firm Allens Linklaters, Cameron has 25 years’ experience in corporate law, with particular expertise in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, equity capital markets and corporate governance. 

Cameron has been a member of the Ruyton Board since 2016.

MBA, BCom

Caroline is the national leader of the Deloitte Actuaries and Consultants practice, the financial services sector leader for Consulting and a member of the Deloitte Consulting Executive team in Australia. She has over 20 years’ experience in the Australian financial services industry, including M&A, Appointed Actuary roles, capital management, product development and pricing. 

On top of her role in Australia, Caroline is also the Deloitte Asia Pacific Actuarial leader and brings experience in actuarial and financial services consulting, mergers and acquisitions, risk and capital management and insurance to the Board. 

Joining the Ruyton Board in 2022, Caroline is also a member of the Finance Committee.

Old Ruytonian (Dickenson, 1998)
GAICD, MBA, BCom

Sascha is an experienced digital, technology and business executive with strong customer focus and excellent stakeholder management skills. A result orientated leader, Sascha is experienced in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams onshore and offshore to deliver innovative solutions. 

With expertise in developing and contributing to strategic business planning and change management in complex regulated environments, Sascha has held senior management positions in technology at ANZ as the business technology partner and is currently Executive, Head of Business Platform Services.

Sascha was appointed to the Board in 2023. 

Kim Bence, the 14th Principal of Ruyton Girls’ School, is a highly respected educational leader with over 25 years of senior leadership experience across learning, wellbeing, and operations. A former Head of Campus and Deputy Principal, Kim is known for inspiring excellence and driving transformative change in diverse educational settings.

Holding a Master of Education and additional qualifications in Educational Neuroscience and Positive Psychology, Kim champions a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and respect. She is an active contributor to professional organisations, sharing insights and best practices at national and international conferences.

Kim’s authentic, collaborative, and future-focused leadership empowers individuals and teams to achieve high aspirations in learning, leading and living. Her passion for fostering a connection-centred learning community aligns seamlessly with Ruyton’s vision and values for the future.

Robert is a CPA with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Deakin University, a Certificate in Governance Practice & Administration, and completion of the AID course. An experienced Company Secretary, he has guided major capital works, financial planning, business operations and risk management across several institutions. Renowned for integrity, strategic insight and collaborative leadership, he excels in governance, compliance and building high-performing teams. His holistic approach spans swim schools, rowing programmes and community partnerships, aligning operational excellence with educational goals. Robert joins Ruyton Girls' School as Director of Business, further strengthening our business operations and strategic priorities ahead.