Penelope Twemlow

Penelope is a multi-degree qualified professional with over 25 years’ experience in strategic and operational management, program, project and risk management, and safety, governance and compliance. Penelope demonstrates people management, organisational culture and communications skills across a wide demographic and range of disciplines, including time in the Australian Defence Force.

Penelope’s service in the Royal Australian Navy has seen her undertake strategic level appointments in project, human resource, safety, culture and risk, as well as being a member of the Maritime Warfare team and the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service. Penelope is currently providing active Reserve service to various naval organisations including the Australian Submarine Agency and the Royal Commission. Penelope also boasts the ability to drive an 8,500 tonne armed warship.

From 2010 to 2018, Penelope was the Chief Executive Officer of two different organisations, providing services for national and international clients in the government sector, mining and resources, oil and gas, public utilities, transport and civil construction as a consultant. During this tenure, Penelope was a national representative on government boards for industry in matters pertaining to training and skilling, and workforce planning and development.

In 2016, Penelope co-founded and now Chairs Women in Power – a Not-for-Profit organisation created to advance and empower women in industry and is also a member of Women in Nuclear whose aims is to support an environment in nuclear and radiation science/technology in which women’s participation and contribution is valued and encouraged.

Furthering her passion in the areas of equality an diversity, she is a sought-after speaker, author and national Ambassador for various domestic violence, mental health and veteran-related organisations and is a Board member of the Defence LGBTIQ+ Board (DEFGLIS).

Penelope is currently a Senior Director with Ashurst, providing expertise to multifaceted Commonwealth government, Defence and mining, energy and resource clients across the nation. Penelope is currently undertaking studies in her Professional Certificate in Nuclear Regulatory Law and continues to provide specialist advice to the energy and maritime industries in the nuclear safety, policy and regulation fields.

Penelope is a true leader of people and operations. She has been recognised as an innovator with unsurpassed drive and passion. Her stamina, resilience and wicked sense of humour have carried her through extraordinary challenges. She continues to receive accolades for her vision and entrepreneurship, including being named the Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Award for Social Enterprise and Not-For-Profit and winner of three separate categories in the national Women in Industry Awards. She was also previously named the APAC CEO of the Year, the winner of Canberra’s ‘Women of Spirit’ Award and the winner of the Women in Defence Award for People and Culture.