MEDIA RELEASE
14 April 2005

Global investment bank partners Women on Boards

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Award winning global investment bank, UBS, has become a major partner of the national Women on Boards program in 2005.

Ruth Medd, Chair of the Women on Boards National Management Committee, said that the partnership with UBS would support efforts to increase the visibility of talented women who are seeking a career as a non-executive director.

UBS is the world's largest wealth manager, a premier investment banking, securities firm and global asset manager. UBS in Australasia employs approximately 1,000 staff in Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand.

"UBS is delighted to support the Women on Boards program which we are certain will help further upgrade the talent of boards in the country,” commented Chris Mackay, CEO, Australasia, UBS Investment Bank.

“At the same time we expect the program to give practical guidance to woman about how to shape their possible board contributions."

“The success of our UBS business depends upon the talent and creativity of our people and their ability to work together effectively in teams. These programs foster a climate in which talent, ambition and creativity can flourish. Our clients and team members love being part of such a groundbreaking program."

“Corporate Australia needs the best talent on its boards if our companies are to achieve their potential,” he continued.

UBS will provide specific sector briefings for board ready women and be able to access the skills of the Women on Boards network of 2000 professional women seeking directorships.

"The partnership with UBS has a very strategic focus toward women with an interest in IPO (initial public offering) boards and private equity entities," Ms Medd said.

The support from UBS is significant for Women on Boards, which seeks to partner companies with a commitment to improving diversity on Australian boards.

"National law firm, Blake Dawson Waldron, partnered Women on Boards in 2003/2004, supporting three of its events in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, and we welcome UBS in 2005," Ms Medd added.

"We also acknowledge the ongoing and generous support from the Office for Women, which has enabled the Women on Boards program to be taken national and online."

Senator Kay Patterson, Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for women, will be the guest speaker at tonight's Women on Boards networking and mentoring event at the Art Gallery of NSW.

The event is being held in conjunction with The Benevolent Society and its Sydney Leadership Program and has been strongly supported by Sydney's professional women and corporate sector.

The event will launch the new interactive Women on Boards website, which enables women be part of an active online community of women seeking directorships.

The website is a fully integrated online management and communication hub for Women on Boards, with a powerful list of functions. These include the capacity for women to create tailored resumes, which can be searched by head-hunters and companies seeking directors with specific skill sets.

There is also a placement function that allows companies to load board positions, which can then be seen by the 2000 women on the database.

Ms Medd urged IPOs, private sector companies, not-for-profit, sports and community sector groups to take advantage of the free board placement opportunity.

"The 2000 highly qualified, professional women registered with the Women on Boards website have a diversity of skills and directorship experience."

For further information visit the website (www.womenonboards.org.au) or call:
Ruth Medd, WoB (02 93318851 or 0419 407231)
Claire Braund, WoB (02 43696006 or 0409 981781)
Caroline Gurney, Communications and Marketing, UBS (02 9324 3335).