The global strategic advisory firm Hakluyt has announced the immediate appointment of The Honourable Julia Gillard AC to its international advisory board. Gillard, who served as the prime minister of Australia and currently chairs the UK-based global charitable foundation Wellcome, joins a distinguished group of senior leaders tasked with supporting the firm's global connectivity and commercial expertise.

The appointment, announced on Oct. 19, 2026, highlights Hakluyt's ongoing efforts to strengthen its advisory capabilities at the intersection of corporate strategy, public policy, and global health.

A Strategic Addition to Hakluyt's Global Network

Hakluyt operates as a strategic advisory firm working with corporate leaders and investors worldwide on their most important commercial issues. To navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the firm relies on its international advisory board, which is chaired by Lord William Hague. This board comprises senior leaders from across business, government, and academia, providing the firm's clients with deep insights into geopolitical, economic, and societal trends.

The addition of Gillard to the board brings a wealth of experience in high-level government decision-making and international affairs. Her background as a head of government and her current leadership roles in global health and education sectors position her to offer unique perspectives to Hakluyt's clients.

Julia Gillard's Distinguished Career and Leadership

Gillard's career spans law, public service, and global philanthropy. Before entering politics, she began her professional journey at the law firm Slater & Gordon, where she became a partner. She subsequently transitioned into public service, serving as chief of staff to the premier of Victoria.

Her political career includes several key milestones:

  • Elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1998
  • Served as deputy prime minister of Australia from 2007 to 2010
  • Served as prime minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013, becoming the first woman to hold the role

Following her time in public office, Gillard has remained an influential figure on the global stage, focusing on health, education, and leadership.

Current Global Engagements and Philanthropy

Gillard currently holds several prominent leadership and patron roles:

  • Chair of Wellcome, a UK-based global charitable foundation focused on improving health through science
  • Patron of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED)
  • Inaugural chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London
  • Patron of Beyond Blue, a mental health charity in Australia

These roles reflect her ongoing commitment to addressing global challenges through scientific innovation, educational access, and mental health advocacy.

Executive Perspectives on the Appointment

The leadership at Hakluyt has expressed strong enthusiasm for Gillard's appointment, emphasizing the value of her diverse experience.

Lord William Hague, chair of Hakluyt's international advisory board, welcomed her, stating: "I am delighted to welcome Julia to Hakluyt's international advisory board. She brings first-hand experience of government decision-making that will be of great value to the firm, and her work at Wellcome gives her a global perspective on science, innovation and health, as well as the partnerships needed to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges."

Gillard expressed her excitement about joining the board, noting the importance of strategic guidance during turbulent times: "I am excited to be joining Hakluyt's international advisory board. Having had the privilege of serving in public office at the highest level, I have seen how critical sound judgement is in periods of uncertainty and change. I look forward to working with William and my fellow advisory board members to support Hakluyt's clients and the firm's continued growth."

Thomas Ellis, Hakluyt's managing partner, also highlighted the distinct value she brings to the firm's advisory services: "I am thrilled that Julia is joining Hakluyt's international advisory board. She combines exceptional government experience with a deep understanding of the forces shaping economies and societies around the world. As a highly respected voice on leadership questions and many global trends and issues, she brings a distinctive perspective that will strengthen the advice we provide to our clients."

Implications for Corporate Advisory and Global Strategy

Gillard's appointment comes at a time when businesses and investors face significant challenges, ranging from geopolitical shifts to rapid scientific and technological advancements. By integrating leaders with deep public sector and scientific governance experience, strategic advisory firms like Hakluyt aim to provide clients with the foresight needed to navigate these complexities.

Her dual expertise in government administration and scientific philanthropy through Wellcome is particularly relevant as corporate strategies increasingly intersect with global health policies, sustainability initiatives, and public-private partnerships.