John Varano

John Varano is an Enterprise Fellow at The University of Melbourne and an experienced transformation leader. With a career spanning investment management, management consulting, and senior transformation roles across major organisations, John brings deep expertise in enterprise transformation, strategy and executive partnership. His professional experience extends across chemicals, construction, defence, education, energy, financial services, government, healthcare, not-for-profit, resources, and telecommunications industries, as well as working directly in multiple geographies, including Australia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

John’s career started in investment management with Vanguard. Following a stint as a management consultant with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and a specialised boutique firm, he has held senior transformation roles at Worley (ASX: WOR), Boral (ASX: BLD), nbn and Rheinmetall (DAX: RHM). 

John serves as a board member and Vice President of Fencing Victoria, the state governing body for the Olympic sport of fencing in Victoria. He is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Directors, completing the Company Directors Course. 

Through his research and commentary, John's writing has appeared and been cited in Australian and international media outlets, think tanks, parliamentary debates, and academic publications.

John holds a Master of Science from the University of Oxford, a Master of Business Administration from The Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Arts by Research from The University of Melbourne with First Class Honours, and completed his undergraduate studies with Honours at Monash University.