Hilary Bolton

Hilary Bolton spent her formative years living in several countries across Africa, Asia, and Australasia before moving to Australia, where she has worked in Queensland, Western Austraila, and Victoria.

A senior executive, Hilary brings extensive experience leading diverse operational teams and developing strategy in medical research, community, and private sectors.

She has served as Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary at the Baker Institute, Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary for a Statutory Authority reporting to Premier and Cabinet, and held leadership roles with the Australian Red Cross.

Hilary has also founded 2 businesses, reflecting the depth and diversity of her expertise.

Hilary excels at working across multiple and broad portfolios, with a focus on developing close working relationships with direct reports and fostering genuine engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Hilary has developed a wealth of knowledge about capital works, workplace transitions and corporate governance in her career.

After joining Burnet in 2022 to become Head of Executive Strategy, Hilary took on the position of Director Major Projects, Risk and Facilities. In this role, she took the lead in the build and creation of the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID), a major collaboration with the State Government, University of Melbourne and Doherty Institute to create a world-leading medical research facility in Melbourne’s Parkville precinct.

Hilary expanded her role in March 2025 by becoming our Chief Operating Officer.