On-demand Leader, Strategy, M&A, Resolution, Legal & Governance, Communications and Stakeholders
+61 418 411 008
Chris.Bertuch@LeadersOnDemand.com
A purpose-driven leader, Chris brings over 30 years experience in strategy, corporate law, M&A, dispute resolution, risk and governance, offering a deep understanding of, and commitment to, ethical decision-making and positive corporate culture to achieve strategic objectives.
Chris is known for his ability to anticipate and understand stakeholder needs – supported by principles-based approach and judgement gained through decades of experience operating as a law-firm partner working in dispute resolution and as GC and trusted advisor to CEOs and Boards in major listed companies and public agencies during periods of evolving commercial and regulatory expectations.
A Harvard alumnus, Chris thrives in transformative environments where he can deliver strategic outcomes. He is adept at forging strong relationships and building and motivating high-performing teams.
Career History
Chris trained as a lawyer and commenced his practice with Freehills starting in commercial litigation. He practiced law for 8 years, leaving Gadens as a Partner where he practiced in commercial dispute resolution.
Moving into corporate, Chris took on Group General Counsel & Company Secretary roles – the first at CSR Ltd, where he became a member of the senior executive team for a period of 17 years and the second at insurer IAG for 7 years. In both these roles, Chris formed trusted advisor roles with the Executive and Board in changing commercial and regulatory environments.
Over the past 2 years, Chris has taken interim and strategic advisor roles (icare and UNSW) in challenging situations where he believes he can add value.
Leadership Highlights
Leading the management and resolution of numerous complex legal and regulatory challenges and disputes at CSR, IAG and icare, often in a politically- charged environment, and delivering transformative M&A and strategic outcomes at CSR and IAG.
Providing authoritative and strategic advice to guide and support Boards, CEOs and Group Leadership Teams in responding to intense media and political scrutiny, major litigation and transactions across diverse industries in established and emerging markets in Oceania, Asia, Europe and the USA.
Leading culture transformation, establishing the IAG Ethics Committee (chaired by Dr Simon Longstaff) and Regulatory Strategic Engagement Committee and co-founding and implementing IAG’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.
Leading the design, sponsorship and oversight of an enterprise improvement program of reform to address culture and accountability, governance, risk management and regulatory issues at icare.
Leading the UNSW Legal and Compliance teams in a period of considerable challenge, and negotiating and documenting complex joint venture arrangements for world-leading research and commercialisation of quantum computing technology.
Qualifications
Advanced Management Program Harvard Business School,
Bachelor of Laws & Master of Laws University of Sydney,
Bachelor of Economics (Sydney)
Sectors
Insurance, Banking and Finance, Legal, Media, Education, Government, Manufacturing and Distribution
Functions
Corporate Legal, M&A, Strategy, Risk, Board & Governance, CoSec, Regulatory and Stakeholder management, Dispute resolution, Corporate Communication
Situations
Transformative Demergers and Divestment, Strategy Development, Issues and Dispute Management, Restructures, Commercial Transactions, Regulatory and Government Compliance, Interactions and Intervention, Commissions of Enquiry, Resourcing and Team Building
Favourite quotes
“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vi sion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet” Theodore Hesburgh
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership” Harvey S Firestone
“I joined Leaders on Demand...
... because I relish the opportunity for new challenges and identify closely with the Leaders on Demand team’s passion for helping leaders make a difference”
“When I'm not at work...
... my three daughters keep me busy and in check! I relax in the outdoors, boating, at the beach, reading and skiing”