Peter O'Sullivan

Executive summary

Peter is Partner, Chief People Officer of BDO in Australia. He leads the firm’s People & Culture team nationally and is a longstanding member of BDO’s Global People Committee.

With over 20 years of experience in HR leadership positions across a range of industries, and four years of legal practice experience prior to that, Peter brings a dynamic approach to the role of Chief People Officer that balances the strategic, commercial and risk management elements of his position.

In addition to his experience in professional services firms, Peter has worked as an HR expert in the banking, IT and utilities industries as well as in the public sector.

He has also held non-executive director roles in health and arts-focussed not-for-profit organisations. His breadth of experience has given him a deep understanding of the importance of investing in people and developing a culturally aligned HR strategy.

Expertise

• Human resources leadership in professional services firms
• Organisational culture and change
• Governance and strategy in professional services firms and not-for-profit organisations
• Future of work in professional services firms
• Leadership development and coaching
• Experienced presenter at national and international conferences

Qualifications and affiliations

• Graduate Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Certified Member, Australian Human Resources Institute
• Solicitor, Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia
• Master of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Laws (with Honours)
• Bachelor of Arts (Japanese language major)

Professional engagements and activities

• Deputy Chair, Metro Arts (since March 2024)
• Non-Executive Director, Metro Arts (since April 2023)
• Non-Executive Director, Queensland Doctors’ Health Programme (2018-2021)