LONDON – October 19, 2026 -- Strategic advisory firm Hakluyt has appointed Julia Gillard, Australia's prime minister from 2010 to 2013 and current chair of Wellcome, to its international advisory board, effective immediately.
Gillard brings six years at the top of Australian government
Gillard served as deputy prime minister from 2007 to 2010 and then as prime minister until 2013, the first woman to hold the post. She was elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1998. Earlier, she became a partner at the law firm Slater & Gordon and served as chief of staff to the premier of Victoria.
Wellcome chair role adds a health and science profile
Gillard chairs Wellcome, the UK-based charitable foundation focused on improving health through science. She is also patron of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) and of Australian mental health charity Beyond Blue. In addition, she is the inaugural chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London.
Lord Hague's board draws on business, government and academia
The board is chaired by Lord William Hague. It includes senior leaders from business, government and academia who support the firm's global connectivity and expertise.
Hague said Gillard's first-hand experience of government decision-making will be of great value to the firm. Thomas Ellis, Hakluyt's managing partner, said she combines government experience with an understanding of the forces shaping economies and societies, and that her perspective will strengthen advice to clients.
Gillard said she has seen "how critical sound judgement is in periods of uncertainty and change." She said she will work with Hague and fellow board members to support Hakluyt's clients and the firm's continued growth.