Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn to conclude decade of industry leadership

28 July 2026

Master Builders Australia’s National Board has announced that long-serving CEO Denita Wawn advised them earlier this year that she will conclude her tenure with the organisation once a successor has been appointed.

Ms Wawn joined Master Builders in 2016 and became CEO in March 2017, becoming the first woman to hold the role since the organisation’s federation in 1890.

A tireless advocate for the building and construction industry, Ms Wawn has consistently stood up for members and held governments to account, regardless of their political persuasion.

Ms Wawn’s policy and campaign achievements include:

• Working with governments and the union to keep the industry, its businesses and workers operating during the pandemic 19 lockdowns, and to secure incentives, including HomeBuilder, to sustain building activity
• Leading Master Builders’ successful federal election campaigns, including the 2019 campaign that challenged the then Opposition’s positions on capital gains tax, negative gearing and the ABCC
• Campaigning against elements of the 2023 Closing Loopholes legislation, helping secure a government backdown on laws that would have restricted independent contracting
• Working with Government and Opposition to secure a bipartisan approach to the administration of the CFMEU.

Beyond these achievements, Ms Wawn has led national advocacy on housing supply, affordability, workforce shortages, women’s participation, building safety, productivity and the industry’s role in meeting Australia’s housing and infrastructure needs.

National President Robert Shaw says that under Ms Wawn’s leadership, Master Builders has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place as a leading national industry association.

“Denita has led Master Builders through some of the most significant challenges and opportunities our industry has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major industrial relations reforms and the nation’s housing supply crisis.

“She has spoken frankly and fearlessly for the industry, in public and in private, an approach welcomed by members who expect their leaders to ‘call a spade a spade’.

“On behalf of the National Board, I thank Denita for her remarkable contribution and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career,” said Mr Shaw.

The National Board has today appointed a recruitment firm to lead the search for the next CEO with the process to commence immediately.

Media contact: Dylan Hafey, Adviser, Media & Government Relations

0497 330 064 | dylan.hafey@masterbuilders.com.au