Mr Stephen John Davies

Stephen Davies is a governance leader, researcher, and consultant with over 35 years’ experience in the telecommunications and not-for-profit sectors. He is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Notre Dame Australia, examining the professionalisation of company directors in ASX-listed companies. His doctoral research, underpinned by a Critical Realist framework, explores how professional standards—such as accreditation, ethical oversight, continuing professional development, and disciplinary mechanisms—can strengthen corporate governance and improve ethical conduct.

His research and practice interests converge on questions of professionalism, ethics, and accountability. Drawing on both sociological and legal perspectives, his work critically engages with theories of professions (Larson, Freidson, Abbott), contemporary debates on corporate governance (Friedman, Freeman), and the challenges of regulatory enforcement. By integrating empirical legal research, case studies of corporate misconduct, and comparative analysis of professional regulation, Stephen seeks to contribute to scholarship and policy on director accountability and governance reform.

Stephen is Chair of Scouts WA, a Director of Scouts Australia, and Chair of Astley Care Inc., in addition to holding board roles in the telecommunications industry. He previously served as Chief Technology Officer of and ASX-listed company for 12 years, where he led large-scale fibre-optic infrastructure projects.