Shemara Wikramanayake has become one of Australia’s most influential business leaders, leading global financial services giant Macquarie Group as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
With Sri Lankan heritage, Ms Wikramanayake’s career has been recognised as a major success story in Australia’s multicultural business community. She joined Macquarie in Sydney in 1987 and rose through the organisation before becoming CEO in 2018.
During her leadership, Macquarie expanded its global presence across financial services, infrastructure investment and asset management, strengthening its reputation as one of Australia’s leading international companies.
In 2026, Macquarie announced that Shemara Wikramanayake will retire from her CEO role after almost four decades with the company, leaving behind a significant legacy in Australian business.
Her journey continues to inspire many Australians, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, showing how diverse talent can contribute to Australia’s success on the world stage.
