Banker and philanthropist Simon McKeon has been named 2011 Australian of the Year.
The 55-year-old beat a strong field, including the bookies favourite, indigenous rights lawyer Larissa Behrendt, to earn the prestigious title, which was announced at a ceremony in Canberra on Tuesday.
Mr McKeon, from Brighton, Victoria, decided in his early years that a successful corporate career didn't have to come at the expense of community work.
So in the midst of his lucrative investment banking career, he moved into a part-time position with Macquarie Group, allowing him to spend more time elsewhere. He joined the board of World Vision Australia, and continues his association with its international partner to this day.
Currently, he is the chairman of the CSIRO and the Business for Millennium Development, which fosters links between businesses and the developing world. He also is involved with the Global Poverty Project and indigenous charities.
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"A leading social entrepreneur, Simon demonstrates how business and philanthropy go hand in hand, giving tremendously of his time and energy to many organisations," the National Australia Day Council said in a statement. But the father of four has also found time for play.
He and crewman Tim Daddo made history in 1993 when they set a 500-metre world speed sailing record of 46.52 knots that was to last 11 years.
It was finally broken by French windsurfer Finian Maynard in 2004.
