David Cooke is a distinguished business leader, academic, and advocate for sustainable and responsible business practices. With a career spanning over 30 years in the IT industry, he is best known for his tenure as the Managing Director and Chair (Australia & New Zealand) of Konica Minolta. Beyond corporate leadership, Cooke has played a pivotal role in shaping ethical business strategies, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies, and human rights advocacy.

Academic Background and Thought Leadership

David Cooke is an Adjunct Professor at the UTS Business School and holds two doctoral degrees:

• Doctorate (2008): His dissertation, “The Philanthropic Contract: Building Social Capital through Corporate Social Investment”, explored the role of corporate partnerships with civil society in creating social impact.
• Honorary Doctorate (2022): Edith Cowan University awarded Cooke a Doctorate honoris causa for his contributions to responsible business and ethical sourcing, particularly in anti-slavery initiatives.

His academic insights earned him the Global Social Impact Award (2011) and recognition as Top Alumnus of the Last 20 Years by Southern Cross University Business School (2014).

Corporate Leadership & ESG Advocacy

David Cooke’s corporate career is marked by his commitment to ethical leadership and sustainable business models. As Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia & New Zealand, he spearheaded initiatives to:

• Integrate social responsibility into corporate strategies.
• Strengthen ethical supply chains, addressing modern slavery.
• Enhance corporate sustainability policies.

After leaving Konica Minolta, Cooke became the Executive Director of ESG Advisory, guiding organizations on ESG frameworks, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

Human Rights & Governance Roles

Cooke has played a leading role in various human rights and ethical business committees, including:

• Chair, UN Global Compact Network Australia – Advocating for corporate sustainability aligned with the UN’s principles.
• Chair, UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute Advisory Committee – Overseeing initiatives on human rights and business ethics.
• Federal Government Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group on Business & Human Rights – Contributing to policy discussions on ethical business practices.
• Former Non-Executive Director, Sustainalytics Australia (a Morningstar company) – Supporting ESG risk management and sustainable finance.

Legacy and Ongoing Impact

David Cooke remains a key voice in ethical business leadership, bridging the gap between profit-driven enterprises and societal impact. Through ESG Advisory, he continues to educate, advise, and implement responsible business strategies, ensuring companies align with the principles of sustainability, transparency, and social equity.