Adara Partners, announces the appointment of David Cohen to its Panel. This expands the Panel’s membership to 16 of Australia’s most prominent corporate professionals. 

Cohen was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) from November 2018 until December 2023.  

In this role, he oversaw business divestments, facilitated mergers and acquisitions, and improved the handling of customer complaints.  

He remains the chair of the board of CBA’s Indonesian subsidiary, PT Bank Commonwealth, during its sale transition. He is also a director of CBA’s New Zealand banking and funds management businesses, ASB. 

Cohen joined CBA in 2008 and held roles such as Group General Counsel, Group Executive Human Resources, Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Chief Risk Officer. Before joining CBA, Cohen was General Counsel at AMP and a Partner at Allens Arthur Robinson. 

“I’m excited to join the Adara Partners Panel and work alongside some of Australia’s leading corporate advisors,” said Cohen. 

“It’s a unique opportunity to use my governance and stakeholder engagement skills to advise clients, knowing this work is also touching the lives of people living in poverty.” 

“David will be an invaluable addition to our Panel,” said Audette Exel AO, Founder and CEO of Adara Partners.  

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“He is one of Australia’s most experienced professionals, particularly in the areas of risk, governance, and stakeholder engagement. His experience dealing with a myriad of regulator and government enquiries during his career, including the Hayne Royal Commission, is a testament to this.” 

“His experience will benefit not only our clients but also the communities we work alongside in some of the world’s remotest places. The Adara businesses have donated $25 million to Adara’s international development work since inception.” 

Fellow Panel Member, Guy Fowler OAM, added that Cohen’s experience being available to corporate Australia through the Adara Panel is a fantastic opportunity. 

“I have had the pleasure of working with David in a number of situations over many years. His integrity is unquestioned, as is his ability to see clarity in stressful or pressure situations.” 

Adara Partners has advised on transactions including as takeover defence advisors on Blackmores’ acquisition by Kirin, Pendal’s acquisition by Perpetual and AusNet’s acquisition by Brookfield.