Meet our Alumni

Simon McKeon

Mr Simon Vincent McKeon OM 1973

Businessman and Yachtsman

Last updated: 2008

 

A champion yachtsman, Simon McKeon is also a highly successful businessman who has contributed significantly to charitable organisations. McKeon graduated in law and commerce from The University of Melbourne. He then practised as a Solicitor with Blake Dawson Waldron, where he specialised in corporate and takeover law.

Later he was to draw upon this expertise as President of the Federal Government's Australian Takeovers Panel, overseeing its rejuvenation as a corporate regulator. McKeon joined Macquarie Bank in 1984 and is now Executive Chairman of its Melbourne Office. He is also currently Chairman of the accounting software firm MYOB.

A member of the Board of World Vision Australia and its international micro-credit arm Vision Fund International, McKeon has guided business leaders to projects in countries such as Ecuador, Chile and Vietnam. McKeon is also Chair of Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia and Melbourne Cares, an organisation which connects business with the community sector. He has previously served as Chair of the Federal Government's Point Nepean Community Trust and as Chair of the Association of Independent Schools in Victoria.

A keen sailor and adventurer, McKeon with fellow Old Melburnian Tim Daddo achieved the outright world sailing speed record of 46.52 knots in 1993, a record that stood for 11 years. McKeon has represented Australia in several yachting championships and has won the International Catamaran Challenge Trophy, or "Little America's Cup", on three occasions. He is a patron of Australia's Olympic Sailing Team and a current member of the Formula 18 Masters World Champion Crew.


Melbourne Grammar School marked its sesquicentenary in 2008. As part of the celebrations, a Talents Committed Exhibition was staged. This exhibition recognised 150 Old Melburnians who have made a difference to the City of Melbourne, the State of Victoria and the wider community in Australia and overseas.

The above profile was included in the Talents Committed Exhibition in 2008.