Leigh Clifford


Richard Leigh Clifford, is an Australian businessman and corporate executive who served as Chairman of Qantas from 2007 to 2018. Clifford was appointed Chairman at the company's November 2007 Annual General Meeting, succeeding Margaret Jackson. He is also Chairman of Bechtel Australia.

Early life and education

Clifford was educated at the Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Melbourne, where he graduated with Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering Science degrees.

Career

His career with the Rio Tinto Group, starting as a mining engineer and retiring as chief executive, spanned 37 years and included time both in Australia and overseas.
Clifford was the Chief Executive Officer of the Rio Tinto Group from April 2000 to April 2007. He succeeded Peter Costello as the number-one ticketholder for the Essendon Football Club in March 2008. However he was, in turn, replaced by Lindsay Tanner in September 2009. Clifford also served as chairman of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.
On 28 June 2018, Clifford announced his intention to resign as Chairman of Qantas. Former Wesfarmers CEO Richard Goyder replaced Clifford as Chairman in October 2018.

Personal life

Clifford currently resides in Melbourne, Australia. He is married and has two daughters.