Orica today announced the appointment of Nora Scheinkestel  as a non-executive director effective 1 August 2006.  Dr Scheinkestel will also become a member of Orica’s Board Audit and Risk Committee.

Dr Scheinkestel is an experienced director with strong credentials in finance.  She is currently a non executive director of AMP Limited and AMP Capital Group, Mayne Pharma Limited, Newcrest Mining Limited, PaperlinX Limited.  She chairs the audit committee of PaperlinX and Mayne Pharma and the nominations committees of AMP and Newcrest. 

Dr Scheinkestel has served as a director and chairman of a number of utilities across the gas, water and electricity sectors including Chairman of South East Water and the Energy 21 and Stratus Gas group.  Other prior directorships include Mayne Group Ltd, North Ltd, MBF Health Fund, Docklands Authority and IOOF Funds Management.

Dr Scheinkestel’s background is as a senior banking executive in international and project financing.  She previously held positions with CRA Limited, Macquarie Bank, Chase AMP and Deutsche Bank, where, as Head of Project Finance, she was responsible for the development and financing of major projects in Australasia and South East Asia.

Orica’s Chairman, Don Mercer said “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Nora Scheinkestel  to the Orica Board.  Nora’s background in finance will be of great value to Orica.”

Dr Scheinkestel is also an Associate Professor at the Melbourne Business School (Melbourne University).  In 2003 she was awarded a centenary medal for service to Australian society in business leadership.