Melissa Stewart

Human rights expert Melissa joined the Alphinity Compliance Committee in September 2020. She is a recognised industry expert in modern slavery and business & human rights, and for more than 24 years has held senior advisory roles and full-time positions globally with the United Nations, Australian and international Governments, ASX-listed companies, and not-for-profits including World Vision Australia.

As a qualified lawyer with advanced degrees and practice in human rights law and international development, Melissa previously advised governments in Australia and globally on the legislative and policy response to modern slavery, and on business and human rights. She also has extensive experience in the private sector advising on responsible operations, investments, and supply chains. Most recently, Melissa worked with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Woolworths and Australian insurance company IAG as a senior expert advising relevant business units including legal, capital markets, M&A, risk, human resources, and group procurement.

Melissa has a BA in International Development Studies and an LLB from the University of British Columbia. Before entering the advisory space, she worked as a corporate lawyer in Canada and Thailand. Melissa was awarded the Freedom Award in 2013 from Anti-Slavery Australia in recognition of her work to combat modern slavery internationally.