Mrs Imelda Roche AO
Together with husband Bill, Imelda established Nutrimetics International
(Australia) Pty Limited in 1968 and 23 years later, in 1991, acquired the
worldwide interests of Nutrimetics International. The Group was subsequently
sold in 1997 to the Sara Lee Corporation.
In 1986 Imelda was awarded the Australian Pursuit of Excellence Award for
her outstanding leadership and performance in the Direct Selling Industry.
In 1993 she was appointed Chairman of the World Federation of Direct Selling
Associations representing 50 national associations, 1500 member companies
with over 20 million representatives. A first for a woman and a first for an
Australian!
In April, 1994 Imelda was appointed by Prime Minister Keating as Australia’s
representative to the PBF, The Pacific Business Forum of APEC (Asia-Pacific
Economic Co-operation) and appointed in 1996 as Prime Minister Howard’s
representative to the successor organisation – ABAC – the Business Advisory
Council to APEC.
Recognition of Imelda’s contribution to business and commerce came in 1995
when she was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in the
Australia Day Honours List and in 1996 when awarded the Degree of Doctor of
Letters honoris causi from Macquarie University Sydney.
In April 1997 Imelda was internationally recognised in Paris as one of the
50 leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World and June 1997 saw Imelda ranked
number one in the NSW publication “Business Sydney” of the Top 25
Women-Owned Businesses in New South Wales.
In December 1997, Imelda was appointed Deputy Chancellor of Bond University
Queensland and Chancellor in November 1999. In March 1999 she was appointed
Chair of the New South Wales Chapter of Family Business Australia. In June
2001 she was appointed a Patron of the Hawke Centre at the University of
South Australia. Imelda completed her term as Chancellor in May 2003.
Imelda has served on a number of Boards and Committees, most notably:
- St Vincent’s Hospital
- Sisters of Charity Foundation
- Garvan Medical Research Foundation
- Bond University School of Business
- Bond University Council
- Business/Higher Education Round Table – Executive Committee
- IDP – International Development Program of Australian Universities
- Australian International Education Foundation Council
- Macquarie University Graduate School of Management
- Asia Australia Institute – University of NSW
- Committee for Quality of Teacher Education – NSW Government
- Australia Young Leaders Program Inc
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in Australia
- John Brown Foundation
- APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation) Pacific Business Forum
- APEC Business Advisory Council
- Trade Policy Advisory Council of the Australian Government
- Economic Development Council of the NSW State Government
- CEDA – Committee for Economic Development of Australia
- Family Business Australia, NSW Chapter
- World Federation of Direct Selling Associations
- Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust
- Air Services Australia
- Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games