International business leader and engineering graduate Zoë Yujnovich has joined The University of Western Australia Business School’s Ambassadorial Council.

Ms Yujnovich, who received a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from UWA in 1995 and an Executive MBA from the University of Utah in 2004, has been appointed the inaugural International Patron of the UWA Business School Ambassadorial Council.

Established in 2008, the Ambassadorial Council works as an adjunct to the Board of the Business School supporting the reach, relevance and reputation of the Business School. It also acts as a beneficial conduit between academia and industry and between students and industry.

Dr Mark Barnaba AM, co-chair of the UWA Business School Board, said the Ambassadorial Council had grown into a global network of engagement and influence.

“We see this new position as an opportunity to further strengthen UWA’s presence and engagement in the UK and across the globe,” Dr Barnaba said.

“We believe Zoe, who actively sought to retain her ties to WA and UWA, will bring a unique perspective and presence to this appointment.

“The role allows us to point to one of our outstanding and esteemed graduates who has professional achievements and standing.

“It also permits the University to showcase its highly relevant connections to industry and outstanding business leaders who support both the University and the Business School’s ambitions and goals.”

Ms Yujnovich began her career with Rio Tinto, holding senior management positions across diverse international markets including Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Brazil and Canada.

In 2014, Ms Yujnovich joined Shell as Executive Vice President in Canada, became the company’s Country Chair and Executive Vice President for Australia and New Zealand, before becoming Executive Vice President of Conventional Oil and Gas, based in The Hague, where she managed global operations.

In October 2021, she was appointed to Shell’s Executive Committee, based in London, as Director of Integrated Gas and Upstream and until recently was on the board of the West Coast Eagles.

This year Ms Yujnovich was appointed a Non-Executive Director of Unilever PLC this year as well as being announced as CEO of National Grid.