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Shemara Wikramanayake

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Macquarie Group · Australia

✓ Verified current role· as of 2026-09-29

Shemara Wikramanayake is the CEO of Macquarie Group (MQG). Wikramanayake is based in Australia. Wikramanayake was born in 1962 in England and educated at Ascham School and Harvard University.

Joined Macquarie in 1987 as a corporate lawyer and became CEO in late 2018. Worked across six countries establishing Macquarie's corporate advisory offices in New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, and led the infrastructure funds management business in the US and Canada. Served as Head of Macquarie Asset Management for 10 years before her appointment as CEO.

Recent developments

AI summary of recent coverage

Recent coverage has focused on Shemara Wikramanayake's announcement of retirement from the chief executive role at Macquarie Group, with Greg Ward set to succeed in the position. Media attention has also centered on Wikramanayake's compensation package, including substantial share holdings, and discussion of the timing and rationale behind the leadership transition.

Summarized from the headlines below; see each source for the full story.

Born
December 12, 1962 · England
Citizenship
Australia
Education
Ascham School, Harvard University, University of New South Wales Law School

Our coverage

On CEOInsider

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Shemara Wikramanayake: FAQ

Who is Shemara Wikramanayake?
Shemara Wikramanayake is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Macquarie Group, based in Australia.
What company does Shemara Wikramanayake lead?
Shemara Wikramanayake is CEO of Macquarie Group.
Where was Shemara Wikramanayake educated?
Shemara Wikramanayake studied at Ascham School, Harvard University, University of New South Wales Law School.