Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Cohen to its Board. Mr Cohen brings more than two decades of senior executive leadership experience across Australia’s largest financial institutions, including as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).
Mr Cohen’s career has spanned executive roles in risk, corporate affairs, human resources and legal. He currently serves as a panel member of Adara Partners – part of the Adara Group which supports vulnerable communities with health, education and other essential services, is chair of TAL Life Limited, and is a non-executive director of Westpac Banking Corporation. Earlier positions included Group General Counsel at AMP Limited and partner at Allens.
Board Chair Michael Traill AM said David’s experience across complex regulatory environments and large-scale organisational transformation would be a significant asset to PRF.
“David’s breadth of leadership experience, his deep expertise in governance and risk, and his strong commitment to values-based leadership will be invaluable to PRF as we continue to invest in, build and influence the conditions needed to stop disadvantage in Australia,” Mr Traill said. “We are delighted to have him join the Board as we look towards creating positive intergenerational change.”
Mr Cohen said he welcomed the opportunity to join the PRF Board and contribute to the organisation’s work.
“I have always believed that strong governance and values-based leadership are essential to creating lasting impact,” he said. “Joining PRF’s Board is an opportunity to contribute those principles to an organisation with a clear and vital purpose.
“PRF plays a critical role in working with partners to address complex social challenges and support communities across Australia. I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the executive team to help advance PRF’s charitable purpose and make a meaningful difference.”
About David Cohen
David is a senior corporate executive with more than 21 years of experience in executive leadership roles across major Australian publicly listed financial services companies. He most recently served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where he oversaw business divestments, facilitated mergers and acquisitions, and improved handling of customer complaints.
During his tenure at CBA (2008-2024), David held a range of senior positions including Group General Counsel, Group Executive Human Resources, Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Chief Risk Officer. Prior to joining CBA, he was Group General Counsel at AMP Limited and a partner at Allens, specialising in financial services and corporate transactions. David was appointed to the boards of Westpac Banking Corporation and TAL Life Limited in April 2025.
David is currently chair of TAL Life Limited, a non-executive director of Westpac Banking Corporation and a panel member of Adara Partners. He also enjoys surfing and skiing.
About us:
About the Paul Ramsay Foundation
PRF is a philanthropic foundation.
The late Paul Ramsay AO established the Foundation in his name in 2006 and, after his death in 2014, left most of his estate to continue his philanthropy for generations to come.
At PRF, we work for a future where people and places have what they need to thrive.
With organisations and communities, we invest in, build, and influence the conditions needed to stop disadvantage in Australia.
Find out more about how we work at www.paulramsayfoundation.org.au
Contact details:
Pia 0412 346 746
