About Dr Susan Bennett

Dr Susan Bennett is founder and Principal of Sibenco and founder and Executive Director InfoGovANZ.  She advises boards, senior executives, and organisations on governance, risks and compliance in the AI and information age.

With expertise spanning corporate litigation, corporate governance, AI and information governance, privacy, ESG, and investigations, Susan is recognised for her ability to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and practical, workable solutions. A practising lawyer awith over 30 years’ experience, Susan works with a wide range of organisations, from listed companies, universities, and government agencies to professional associations and not-for-profits.

 

Services

Susan delivers practical advice and responsive solutions, workshops and training on:

• Corporate Governance in the AI and Information Age - integrated risk management and governance frameworks, policies and procedures to improve information flows to the Board and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements, such as privacy, cybersecurity, AI and ESG.
• Corporate Governance and Directors' Duties - supporting boards and executives in fulfilling legal and regulatory obligations.
• AI and Information Governance - developing, aligning and integrating best practice policies and processes for the responsible and effective use of data and emerging technologies.
• Privacy and Data Protection - policies and procedures to comply with privacy requirements, privacy impact assessments, (including ethical AI and PIA/DPIAs), privacy-by-design, critical incident planning and data breach response.
• Investigations – guiding organisations through internal and external investigations with a focus on minimising risk.
• Workshops and Training -providing topical and engaging sessions to assist Boards, senior executives and multi-disciplinary teams on a range of topics tailored to meet the organisation's specific requirements and strategic objectives arising from the intersection of data, technology and regulatory compliance.

 

Qualifications and Admissions

Legal Admissions & Practice

• Admitted to the High Court of Australia, Federal Court, and Supreme Court of New South Wales
• Holds an unrestricted Australian Practising Certificate

Academic Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Law – University of Sydney
• Master of Laws (LLM, Hons) – University of Sydney
• Master of Business Administration (MBA Exec) – Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM)
• Bachelor of Laws - University of Tasmania

Fellowships and Certifications

• Fellow, Governance Institute of Australia (FGIA)
• Fellow, Information Privacy (FIP)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E)
• Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)
• Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
• Harvard Business School, Leading Professional Services Firms (LPSF)

 

Publications & Speaking

Thought leadership - developing best practices for data, technology and regulatory compliance

Susan publishes widely on governance, law and information management, including AI Risks, Failures and Consequences: Corporate Governance for the AI Era (Australian Journal of Corporate Law, 2025). Click here for publications.

Susan regularly presents at national and international events, workshops, and training sessions — engaging a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including executives, board directors, regulatory professionals, in-house counsel, and technology teams. Her topics cover governance, compliance, AI, data, risk, and regulatory change, always delivered with practical relevance. Click here for public speaking engagements.

 

Career Background

Before founding Sibenco, Susan built her career in large-scale commercial litigation, inquiries, and royal commissions, where she developed deep expertise in evidence, investigations, discovery, and information management.

As a senior partner of a national law firm, she gained extensive leadership experience overseeing complex disputes and high-stakes matters. This litigation foundation together with her extensive commercial experience and MBA underpins her practical approach to governance today, balancing regulatory obligations with strategic objectives and enabling innovation.

 

Career Overview

Sibenco Legal & Advisory	Principal and Director -2012 to date
InfoGovANZ	Founder and Director -2016 to date
The University of Sydney	Adjunct Lecturer, Law School -2021 to date
Sparke Helmore	Partner and National Group Leader, Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group and the Legal Technology Support Group -2003-2011Sydney Managing Partner -2010-2011
Consultant	Consultant on large high-profile commercial litigation disputes -2000-2002
Middletons (now K&L Gates)	Senior Associate, Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation Group - 1997-2000
Phillips Fox (now DLA Piper)	Solicitor, Construction Group 1995-1997